2021 Senate Bill 705

Let absent members of public bodies “phone it in” to meetings (but not vote)

Introduced in the Senate

Oct. 26, 2021

Introduced by Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-18)

To no longer require a member of a public body that “effectuates or formulates public policy” to be present physically to participate in the meeting <i>except for voting</i> if it is held in a "physical place where a quorum is physically present." Under current law this privilege is extended to public body members absent for military duty. Other bills have been introduced to allow certain public bodies to replace physical meetings with “virtual” ones after the COVID epidemic ends, but this one would be permanent.

Referred to the Committee on Local Government