HB203 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Open Meetings Act, further define terms deliberation and meeting, technical revisions, Sec. 36-25A-2 am'd.

Summary

HB203 tightens the Alabama Open Meetings Act by expanding when deliberation and meetings count, and updates the language to current style.

What This Bill Does

It defines deliberation to include exchanges of information or ideas in the presence of a quorum that are intended to influence how members vote on a matter. It also defines a meeting to include gatherings of a quorum where members hear deliberation on matters that will come before the full body. In addition, it makes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language to current style.

Who It Affects

• Members of Alabama governmental bodies (boards, commissions, committees) whose exchanges could be considered deliberation or meetings when conducted in the presence of a quorum and intended to influence voting.
• Public officials, public employees, and the general public/observers who participate in or monitor open meetings, as the definitions broaden what counts as deliberate discussion and a meeting.

Key Provisions

• Deliberation redefined to include exchanges of information or ideas in the presence of a quorum intended to influence how members should vote on a matter coming before the body.
• Meeting redefined to include gatherings of a quorum during which members hear deliberation on matters that will come before the body.
• Nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language to current style.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Open Meetings