Bill Text: HI SB684 | 2019 | Regular Session | Amended

Hawaii Senate Bill 684 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Relating To Community Meetings.

Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 17-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-02-15 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC. [SB684 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2019-SB684-Amended.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	684
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO COMMUNITY MEETINGS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that informational meetings and presentations open to the public provide the opportunity for individuals who have an interest to attend and learn more about the subject matter being discussed. However, there is currently limited flexibility, pursuant to section 92‑3.1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that allows a county council member to attend such meetings and presentations as an individual with a similar private interest.

The purpose of this Act is to exempt members of a county council from the limitation on the number of members that may attend an informational meeting or presentation on matters relating to official board business and clarifies that such meetings for which two or more members of a board, but less than a quorum, may attend shall be meetings that are open to the public.

SECTION 2. Section 92-2.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

"(e) Two or more members of a board, but less than the number of members which would constitute a quorum for the board, may attend an informational meeting or presentation on matters relating to official board business, including a meeting of another entity, legislative hearing, convention, seminar, or community meeting; provided that the meeting or presentation is open to the public and is not specifically and exclusively organized for or directed toward members of the board. The board members in attendance may participate in discussions, including discussions among themselves; provided that the discussions occur during and as part of the informational meeting or presentation; and provided further that no commitment relating to a vote on the matter is made or sought.

At the next duly noticed meeting of the board, the board members shall report their attendance and the matters presented and discussed that related to official board business at the informational meeting or presentation.

Notwithstanding section 92-3.1, for purposes of this subsection, the limitation on the number of members that may attend an informational meeting or presentation shall not apply to members of a county council."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Open Meetings; Sunshine Law; Permitted Interactions; County Councils

Description:

Exempts members of a county council from the limitation on the number of members that may attend an informational meeting or presentation on matters relating to official board business, including a meeting of another entity, legislative hearing, convention, seminar, or community meeting. Clarifies that such meetings shall be meetings that are open to the public for purposes of permitted interactions. Takes effect on 7/1/2050. (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.