Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
2SSB 5355
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Regarding notice requirements for special meetings of public agencies.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Morton, Swecker and Honeyford).
Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/15/12
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) requires that all meetings of the governing body of a public agency be open to the public and that all persons be allowed to attend. A schedule for regular meetings must be provided by ordinance, resolution, bylaws, or other rule. State agencies must file a schedule of the time and place of meetings on or before January of each year to the Office of the Code Reviser for publication in the Washington state register.
A governing body may meet without the public for portions of a regular or special meeting to discuss certain issues. A special meeting may be called by the presiding officer of the governing body or by a majority of the members by delivering written notice personally, by mail, fax, or electronic mail, to each member of the governing body as well as to each local newspaper of general circulation and local radio or television stations that request such notice. These notices must be delivered at least 24 hours before the time of the special meeting. Members of the governing body may waive the requirement for written notice with the clerk or secretary of the governing body.
Summary of Bill:
Notice of special meetings under the OPMA are modified. In addition to the existing requirements, notices must be posted on an agency's website, if the agency has a website, and must be prominently displayed at the main entrance of the agency's principal location, as well as at the meeting site, if different.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.