HJR185 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Hill

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Blaine Galliher

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Open Meetings Legislation, Joint Interim Legislative Committee on, established to study and make recommendations regarding meetings of public boards and agencies by teleconferencing

Summary

Creates a temporary Joint Interim Legislative Committee on Open Meetings Legislation to study and draft a potential Open Meetings Act that would allow public bodies in Alabama to meet by teleconference.

What This Bill Does

The resolution establishes a six-member committee (three from each house) tasked with studying Alabama's Open Meetings Law and drafting new or revised legislation to permit teleconference meetings. It may invite public or industry participants to help draft language and must report on diversity compliance by the second legislative day of the 2012 regular session. The committee will elect a chair and vice chair, may meet up to four times after the initial meeting, and must deliver findings and proposed legislation by the fifth legislative day of the 2012 Regular Session, after which it dissolves. Clerical support is provided as needed, and committee expenses are capped at $1,000 with standard compensation and expenses for members, subject to session timing and other limits.

Who It Affects

• Members of the Alabama House and Senate appointed to the committee, who will receive regular compensation, per diem, and travel expenses for meeting days within stated limits.
• Public members, interest groups, and institutions that may be invited to participate in drafting language and providing input on teleconference open meetings rules.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Joint Interim Legislative Committee on Open Meetings Legislation with six members (three from each house) to study and draft open meetings rules, including teleconferencing.
• Requires diversity in the committee's membership and allows invited participants from the public or industry to contribute to drafting.
• Directs the committee to study all facets of Alabama's Open Meetings Law and draft new or revised legislation to allow teleconference meetings.
• Requires the chair and vice chair to be elected at the first meeting within 10 days after the effective date; sets a limit of four meetings after the initial meeting.
• Requires a report of findings and proposed legislation by the 5th legislative day of the 2012 Regular Session and dissolution of the committee afterward.
• Provides clerical assistance from the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House as requested.
• Establishes compensation and expense rules for members and a total expenditure cap of $1,000.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative