Unbelievably, it was March 17, 2020, when Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-29-20 (amending Executive Order N-25-20 in part), which allows local or state legislative bodies to hold meetings via teleconference and...more
On March 30, 2021, the authority for Michigan public bodies to hold electronic "virtual" meetings for any reason under the Michigan Open Meetings Act ("OMA") expired. Thus, starting on March 31, 2021, and continuing until...more
This update highlights key changes occurring between October 10 and October 16, 2020 with respect to the State of Michigan’s governmental COVID-19 response. It additionally analyzes the likely impacts these changes will have...more
Port Commissions and other governing bodies subject to Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) have new guidance from the Washington Attorney General on conducting public meetings. Agencies must conduct public meetings...more
“Openness in government is essential to the functioning of a democracy.” This straightforward declaration by the California Supreme Court bears repeating during the COVID-19 health crisis. “Newspapers, television, radio, and...more
On March 25, 2020, the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives approved Am. Sub. H.B. 197. The legislation provides emergency relief related to, among other things, the Open Meetings Act. ...more
Due to the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 across the United States and the guidance regarding social distancing, many governmental entities across the State of Iowa are scrambling to grapple with the provisions of Iowa...more
Effective March 16, 2020, Governor Abbott’s office temporarily suspended a limited number of open meeting laws in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disaster. This action will allow governmental bodies to conduct meetings...more
Port Commissions and other governing bodies subject to Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) have new guidance from the Washington Attorney General on conducting meetings remotely. Remote public meetings are allowed...more
On March 17, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-15 (the "Order"), suspending "strict compliance" with Section 3 of the Open Meetings Act, 1976 PA 267 (the "Act"), until April 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m....more
On March 12, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker issued an Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law. The Open Meeting Law generally requires that all meetings of municipal and state government bodies be...more