SJR29 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

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

A resolution creating a temporary legislative committee to study open meetings and draft a law allowing teleconference meetings for public boards and agencies.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates the Joint Interim Legislative Committee on Open Meetings Legislation with three members from each chamber. The committee will study Alabama's Open Meetings Law and draft a new or revised act to permit meetings by teleconference for public boards and agencies, including inviting input from the public or affected industries. It must report its findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature by the 5th legislative day of 2012, with a separate report on diversity compliance due by the 2nd legislative day, and the committee will dissolve after the 2012 Regular Session. The committee will be supported by legislative staff, meet no more than four times after the initial meeting, and expenditures are capped at $5,000.

Who It Affects

• Members of the Alabama Senate and House who serve on the committee (appointed by presiding officers) and receive standard compensation and expenses
• Public boards and state agencies that could use teleconference meetings if the law is changed
• Members of the public and representatives of affected industries who may participate in drafting language
• Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House who provide clerical support

Key Provisions

• Creates the Joint Interim Legislative Committee on Open Meetings Legislation with three members from each house
• Requires diversity in race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economic background; allows inviting public or industry participants to help draft language
• Authorizes study of all facets of Open Meetings Law and drafting of a new or revised act to allow teleconference meetings
• Sets reporting deadlines: findings and proposed legislation by the 5th legislative day of 2012; diversity compliance by the 2nd legislative day of 2012; committee dissolves after reporting
• Provides staff support, payment of compensation and expenses, but prohibits double pay and caps total expenditures at $5,000; limits committee meetings to four after the initial meeting

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative