HB 6147

Abstract

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that no public body may refuse to allow any of its members to attend any open or closed meeting of the public body. Provides that a court shall (rather than may) assess against any party, except a State's Attorney, reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred by any other party who substantially prevails in any action for non-compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Provides that the attorney's fees and other litigation costs assessed by the court shall be awarded directly to the Office of the Attorney General. Provides that upon a request to review whether a public body committed a violation under the Open Meetings Act, the Attorney General shall issue to the requester and the public body an opinion within 20 days (rather than 60 days) after initiating review.