SCS/HB 657 - This act modifies provisions regarding the Sunshine Law. This act requires a public governmental body, when holding a meeting exclusively electronically, to state the nature of the good cause justifying the departure from normal requirements. Any meeting held in-person and not closed to the public shall be conducted in a manner that allows physical in-person public attendance. A public governmental body is authorized to close records and meetings related to evacuation and lockdown procedures on property owned or leased by the body. Information submitted by software or surveillance companies that secure access to buildings of the body may also be closed.
A public governmental body is authorized to close records that are related to email addresses and telephone numbers submitted to a public governmental body by individuals or entities for the sole purpose of receiving electronic or other communications. The public body may also close records of utility usage and bill records for customers of public utilities unless the customer requests them or authorizes their release.
This act is similar to HCS/HB 362 (2021) and HB 2603 (2020).
JIM ERTLE