FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6171

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: Concerning civil penalties for knowing attendance by a member of a governing body at a meeting held in violation of the open public meetings act.

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Security

House Committee on State Government

Background: The Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) requires all meetings of the governing body of a public agency to be open to the public. The OPMA applies to all public agencies, which are defined broadly to include state boards, commissions, departments, education institutions, agencies, local governments, and special purpose districts. A public official who knowingly attends a meeting held in violation of the OPMA can be subject to a civil penalty of $100. In 2014, the Legislature passed ESB 5964, the Open Government Trainings Act, requiring that officials of agencies subject to the OPMA complete training in the OPMA at least once for every four years in office.

Summary: The penalty for a public official who knowingly attends a meeting held in violation of the OPMA is increased to $500 for the first violation, and $1,000 for each successive violation.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	49	0
House	72	25