Government boards could approve remote attendance for members with military duties

Local governing bodies and school boards could approve remote attendance for members with covered military duties. This would cover members of town and city governing bodies, county commissioner boards, and school boards who serve on active duty or fulfill reserve obligations. Each body would need to approve remote attendance through a formal resolution. Approved remote participants would count toward a quorum, the minimum attendance needed to conduct business. The Division of Local Government Services and the Office of School Ethics and Compliance would provide advice to their respective boards on request. They could develop guidelines, which their departments would publish online. These rules would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

Covered state boards and similar groups could allow members with military duties to attend meetings remotely. This would cover members on active duty or fulfilling reserve obligations in boards and similar groups created by law within state departments or other state bodies. Permission would be optional. Remote participants would count toward the minimum attendance needed to conduct business. A chair or staff member already provided by the state could arrange remote participation. These rules would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.