SB132 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hightower

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Open Meetings Act, meeting, definition, exclusion when two persons gather when no final decision is made, Sec. 36-25A-2 am'd.

Summary

SB132 updates Alabama's Open Meetings Act by clarifying what counts as a meeting and refining related definitions to govern when public bodies may deliberate and disclose information.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 36-25A-2 to redefine 'meeting' and related terms like deliberation, open portion, and quorum. It explains when gatherings are considered meetings and when they are not, including specific exclusions for casual social events and certain two-person discussions. It also broadens and clarifies who is a 'governmental body' and how quorum rules apply, with an effective date set after passage and gubernatorial approval.

Who It Affects

• Governmental bodies (boards, commissions, and other multi-member groups in state, county, and municipal governments) because the definitions determine when their gatherings trigger open-meeting rules and notice requirements.
• Public officials and public employees because the clarified terms affect when deliberations must occur publicly, how executive sessions are used, and how quorums are counted.

Key Provisions

• Deliberation is defined as an exchange of information among a quorum intended to influence a decision or vote on a matter that will be considered by the body.
• Meeting is defined to include: (a) prearranged gatherings of a quorum at times/places set by law; (b) prearranged gatherings of a quorum during which the body may exercise powers or spend funds; (c) gatherings where deliberations on matters to be placed before the body occur.
• Exclusions from 'meeting' include: social gatherings without deliberation of future matters; gatherings with officials for reporting or information gathering; and two members gathering solely to exchange background/educational information or discuss an economic prospect with no final action.
• Open or public portion is the part of a meeting that is not in executive session, with prior notice, intended to be open for public observation.
• Governmental Body is broadly defined to include most state and local boards and commissions, with exceptions for legislative party caucuses, Alabama courts (except as required by law), and voluntary associations without delegated governmental functions.
• Quorum is defined as a majority of voting members, with specific rules about counting members before/after elections and appointments when determining whether a quorum is present.
• Other terms such as Job Performance, Public Funds, Public Official, and Public Employee are defined to apply the act consistently across personnel and funding contexts.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Open Meetings