HB 1038

Abstract

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Redefines "meeting" to include gatherings, whether in person or by telephone call, electronic means, or other means of contemporaneous interactive communication, of a majority of a quorum of the members of a public body held for the purpose of discussing public business (now, a gathering of a majority of a quorum of the members of a public body held for the purpose of discussing public business). Provides that if a majority of a quorum of the members of a public body are physically present at a meeting, then a majority of a quorum may allow a member of that body to attend a meeting by other means, subject to certain limitations. Defines "other means" as by telephone call, electronic means, or other means of contemporaneous interactive communication. Provides that a quorum of the members must be physically present for the public body to vote on the issuance of bonds. Provides that transmissions by other means made during a meeting by a member who is in attendance shall be made available to the public contemporaneously with the transmission and in such a manner or format that the public body and the public may contemporaneously hear or observe the transmission. Allows a public body to adopt rules concerning attendance at meetings by electronic means. Requires the agenda to disclose all locations at which members of the public may attend a meeting at which one or more members are present by a means other than physical presence. Requires the physical presence of the person testifying in any contested case, as defined in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, unless all parties waive the requirement of physical presence. Requires minutes of all public bodies to reflect whether members were physically present or present by other means. Makes other changes.