SB 1016 - This act modifies provisions of the Sunshine Law relating to electronic public meetings and records.

The definition of a public meeting shall include meetings conducted in person or by conference call, video conference, internet chat or internet message board. The definition of a public vote shall include votes taken by telephone or other electronic means. Notice of public meetings conducted by telephone or other electronic means shall identify the mode by which the meeting will be conducted and a location where the public can observe and attend the meeting. Notice of public meetings to be held on the internet or another computer link must be posted on the body's website and the principal office and shall inform the public on how to access that meeting. A public body must allow for the recording of a public meeting and may establish guidelines regarding the manner in which recordings must be conducted in order to minimize disruption to the meeting.

If a member of a public body transmit a message relating to public business, in writing or by electronic means, to other members of the body so that a majority of the members, including the sender, are copied, then the member must transmit the message to the custodian of records for the body. Such message is considered a public record. If a request for records is made by e-mail or another electronic format, the body may provide the requested records in the same format.
JIM ERTLE