SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6741

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.

As of February 1, 2010

Title: An act relating to special meetings notice under the open public meetings act.

Brief Description: Regarding special meetings notice under the open public meetings act.

Sponsors: Senator Rockefeller.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/02/10.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7483)

Background: Under the Open Public Meetings Act, a special meeting may be called by the presiding officer of the governing body of a public agency or by a majority of the members of the governing body by delivering written notice personally, by mail, fax or email, and to each local newspaper of general circulation, and to each local radio or television which has requested to be notified of special meetings.

This notice is to be delivered at least 24 hours before the special meeting.

The notice is to include the time and place of the special meetings and the business to be transacted.

Notice of a special meeting is not required if the the special meeting is called to deal with an emergency involving injury or damage to persons or property, or there is a likelihood that such damage will occur, and providing the required notice is impractical and would increase the likelihood of such injury or damage.

Summary of Bill: Notice of a special meeting may be posted on an agency's website by posting a prominently placed hyperlink to the written notice on the agency's website.

Notice of a special meeting is not required to be published in local newspapers.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.