SB400 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Vivian Davis FiguresSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

State regulatory boards and agencies, open meetings, teleconference meetings authorized under certain circumstances, Sec. 36-25A-2.5 added; Secs. 36-25A-1, 36-25A-2 am'd.

Summary

The bill lets Alabama state regulatory boards and agencies hold teleconference meetings under certain circumstances while keeping public access to open meetings.

What This Bill Does

It amends the Alabama Open Meetings Act to authorize teleconference meetings for state regulatory boards and agencies under defined conditions. It requires notice and public access for these meetings and allows audio-only or audio+video formats conducted in real time. Teleconference meetings cannot be used for annual budgeting discussions or to hold an executive session. A new section, 36-25A-2.5, is added to formalize teleconference authority and related definitions.

Who It Affects

• State regulatory boards and agencies: may conduct teleconference meetings under defined circumstances, changing how some meetings are held.
• The public (citizens, media, and observers): will have access to teleconference meetings and can observe or participate via the teleconferencing technology, preserving openness.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes teleconference meetings for state regulatory boards or agencies when a reasonable attempt to plan an in-person meeting is not successful.
• Prohibits teleconference meetings for discussions of annual budgeting issues or when an executive session is planned.
• Requires these teleconference meetings to follow notice requirements and to provide public access to the teleconferencing technology.
• Allows teleconference meetings to be conducted as audio-only or audio+video in real time, with all participants able to communicate simultaneously.
• Adds Section 36-25A-2.5 to authorize teleconference meetings and clarifies definitions related to open meetings (such as deliberation, meeting, and governmental body).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Open Meetings