HB293 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Neil RaffertyRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

State Board of Genetic Counseling; exempted from Alabama Open Meetings Act for electronic meeting participation

Summary

HB293 would let the State Board of Genetic Counseling hold meetings with board members participating remotely, exempting it from certain Open Meetings Act restrictions, with in-person attendance still required for disciplinary actions, effective October 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the board could conduct regular meetings using telephone or video conferencing without the usual Open Meetings Act restrictions. However, meetings that involve disciplinary actions would still require in-person participation. The change applies starting October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Board members of the State Board of Genetic Counseling, who would be allowed to participate in regular meetings remotely (telephone or video).
• The public and observers of the board's meetings, whose access to meeting participation may be affected by this shift to electronic participation for regular meetings.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-13A-3 to authorize board members to participate in meetings via electronic equipment notwithstanding the Alabama Open Meetings Act restrictions.
• Allows regular meetings to be conducted by telephone conference, video conference, or similar communications equipment under the Open Meetings Act.
• Requires in-person participation for meetings relating to disciplinary actions.
• Effective date: October 1, 2025.

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

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards