Legislatures and transparency

Open Records
Open Meetings

Contents
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2. See also 3. External links 4.) Open Meetings

Find your State

Sunshine Laws
Open Records laws
Open Meetings Laws
How to Make Records Requests

Sunshine Headlines
Across the Country or by State
Major Records Requests

Sunshine Legislation
2010
Sorted by State, Year and Topic

Sunshine Litigation
Sorted by State, Year and Topic

Sunshine Nuances
Private Agencies, Public Dollars
Deliberative Process Exemption

This page indicates whether or not a particular state legislature is subject to the state open records act as a whole or possess a broad exemption obtained either through statute or litigation. Currently ten states have an explicit exemption from the entire open records law either as an exemption or because the courts have declared that they cannot enforce the law, with some states encouraging legislatures to adopt their own guidelines within each legislative sessions rules. Of those exemptions six are established by statute and four by the courts. Another nine state laws are ambiguous as to whether or not the legislature is included. The remaining laws include the legislature in the definition of public body. However, this inclusion does not prevent the legislature from employing other exemptions to protect their records, the most common of which is the Deliberative process exemption which often protects legislative calendars, meetings, and communication with both citizens and lobbyists. Other exemptions protect working drafts of legislation prior to release to the entire legislative assembly.

States

Here is a list of open records laws as they apply to the state legislature:

Alabama Public Records Law

Ambiguous

The Alabama Public Records Law is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. However the broad definition of public body would presumably include state legislators.

Alaska Public Records Act

The Alaska Public Records Act does not include the legislature within its definition of public body. Instead, public records issues within the legislature are decided by the rules of the legislature and have been ruled unenforceable by the courts. ^[1]

↑ Abood v. League of Women Voters, 743 P.2d 333 (Alaska 1987). via RCFP Guide to Alaska

Arizona Public Records Law

Ambiguous

The Arizona Public Records Law is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. However the broad definition of public body found at Arizona Statute 39-121.01-A-2 would presumably include state legislators.

Arkansas Freedom of Information Act

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act's broad definition of public body found at Arkansas Rev. Stat. 25-19-103(5A) has been held to include legislative bodies per Laman v. McCord.^[1]

↑ Laman v. McCord via RCFP Guide to Arkansas

California Public Records Act

Ambiguous

The state legislature exempted itself and its committees from the CPRA.

There is a separate act, the Legislative Open Records Act, to which records of the legislature are subject.

A California Constitutional Sunshine Amendment was passed by California's voters in 2004; it does apply to the Legislature because it applies generally to "public bodies" and to the "writings of public officials," without excluding the Legislature.

Colorado Open Records Act

The Colorado state legislature is covered under the Colorado Open Records Act.^[1]

↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named statutetwo

Connecticut Freedom of Information Act

The Connecticut State Legislature is subject to the provisions of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act according to Connecticut General Statutes 14.1-200.

Delaware Freedom of Information Act

The Delaware state legislature was specifically exempted from the Freedom of information act under Delaware Code Title 9, § 10002(c) until it was modified in 2009 to include them.^[1]

↑ A Standard FOIA Form, October 20th, 2011

Florida Sunshine Law

While the legislature falls under the Sunshine Law, the state legislature has given itself some exemptions. These include exempting the journal of the executive session of the Senate from disclosure except upon order of the Senate itself or a court of competent jurisdiction, and forbidding legislative employees from revealing the contents of requests for services made by state legislators.

Georgia Open Records Act

In a 1975 case, Coggin v. Davey, the Supreme Court exempted the legislature, under a separation of powers argument.

Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act

The Hawaii state legislature falls under the broad working definition of public body in Hawaii, thereby subjecting it to the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act.

Idaho Public Records Act

The Idaho state legislature is included in the Idaho Public Records Act under the broad definition of public body found at Idaho PRA 9-337-8, 11, 14.

Illinois Freedom of Information Act

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act includes the Illinois state legislature, though it does contain exemption for working papers and preliminary drafts and opinions under a deliberative process clause. ^[1]

↑ 5 ILCS 140(7)

Indiana Access to Public Records Act

While the Indiana Access to Public Records Act includes state legislative bodies within its definition of public body found at Illinois APRA 5-14-3-2-M, 5-14-3-2.1, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in State ex rel. Masariu v. Marion Superior Court that they are unable to enforce the law against the legislature due to separation of powers considerations. ^[1]

↑ State ex rel. Masariu v. Marion Superior Court via RCFP Guide to Indiana

Iowa Open Records Law

While the Iowa Open Records Law's broad definition of public body incorporates the state legislature, Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. v. Dwyer held that the Senate withholds a constitutionally granted power to establish their own rules which may run counter to the Iowa Open Records Law. ^[1]

↑ Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. v. Dwyer via RCFP Guide to Iowa

Kansas Open Records Act

The broad definition of public body found within the Kansas Open Records Act includes the state legislature. ^[1]

↑ KORA 45-217

Kentucky Open Records Act

The Kentucky Open Records Act includes the state legislature within its definition of public body under Kentucky ORA 61.870.1.

Louisiana Public Records Act

Ambiguous

While the Louisiana Public Records Act includes the legislature within its definition of public bodies, court decisions, including, Copsey v. Baer, have held in favor of a limited legislative privileges and immunities exemption derived from the constitution which could prevent the release of legislative records. ^[1]

↑ Copsey v. Baer via RCFP Louisiana Guide

Maine Freedom of Access Act

The expansive definition of public body found within the Maine Freedom of Access Act found at Maine Statute 1-402 includes the state legislature. However, the act does have exemptions for the working papers of legislatures under a Deliberative process exemption.

Maryland Public Information Act

The Maryland Public Information Act includes the state legislature in its definition of public body found at Maryland Statute 10-611, thus subjecting the legislature to the act.

Massachusetts Public Records Act

The Massachusetts General Court is explicitly exempt from the Massachusetts Public Records Act under Mass. General Laws Title X, Chapter 66, Section 18.

Michigan Freedom of Information Act

Ambiguous

While legislative committees and groups are explicitly subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act under Michigan Statute 15-232. However, individual legislators are exempt under an attorney general ruling. ^[1]

↑ 1985-86 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 6390 (1986), via RCFP Guide to Michigan

Minnesota Data Practices Act

The legislature is exempt from the Minnesota Data Practices Act but due to past controversies the phone records of specific legislators are available for public inspection and copying.^[1]

↑ MN Rev.Stat. 10.46 via RCFP Guide to Minnesota

Mississippi Public Records Act

Ambiguous

While the legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Mississippi code 25-61-3, the act does state that "Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as denying the Legislature the right to determine the rules of its own proceedings and to regulate public access to its records."^[1]

↑ Mississippi code 25-61-17 via RCFP Guide to Mississippi

Missouri Sunshine Law

The Missouri state legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Missouri Revised Statutes 610.010.4 and is thus subject to the Sunshine Law.

Montana Public Records Act

Ambiguous

There is no exemption for the Montana state legislature within the Montana Public Records Act and thus the records are presumed to be open, though it has never been tested in court.

Nebraska Public Records Law

The definition of public body found within the Nebraska Public Records Law appears to include the legislature and the constitution requires the legislature to maintain and publish a journal of activities. However, individual legislators rely on deliberative process exemptions to exempt their personal working papers and contacts. ^[1]

↑ RCFP Guide to Nebraska

Nevada Open Records Act

There is no clear exemption for the Nevada legislature under the Open Records Act and the legislature clearly falls within the definition of public body found within the act. Thus, the documents of the legislature are assumed to be open for inspection.

New Hampshire Right to Know Law

There is no clear exemption for the New Hampshire legislature under the Open Records Act and the legislature clearly falls within the definition of public body found at New Hampshire Revised Statutes VI.91-A:1.a. Thus, the documents of the legislature are assumed to be open for inspection.

New Jersey Open Public Records Act

The New Jersey legislature explicitly falls within the definition of public body found at New Jersey Ann. Stat. 47:1A-1.1 and is thus subject to the act.

New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at New Mexico Statute 14-2-6 and is considered subject to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act.

New York Freedom of Information Law

The New York state legislature is explicitly exempt from the New York Freedom of Information Law under Freedom of Information Law section 86.

North Carolina Public Records Law

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at North Carolina Law 132-1 and is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law.

North Dakota Open Records Statute

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at North Dakota Statute 44.04, 17.12 and is subject to the North Dakota Open Records Statute.

Ohio Open Records Law

Ambiguous

Documents of the state legislature that are exempted from disclosure include:

Documents that are not filed with the clerk of the General Assembly.
Documents that communicate between legislative staff and a member of the General Assembly. ^[1]

↑ ORC § 101.30

Oklahoma Open Records Act

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Oklahoma Open Records Act under Open Records Act, 24A.3.2.

Oregon Public Records Law

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Oregon Public Records Law under Oregon Statutes, 192.410(5).

Pennsylvania Right to Know Law

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found atPennsylvania Chapter 3 and is subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.

Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Rhode Island law 38-2 and is subject to the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act.

South Carolina Freedom of Information Act

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at South Carolina FOIA 30-4-20 and is subject to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

South Dakota Sunshine Law

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found atSouth Dakota law 1-27-1.1 and is subject to the South Dakota Sunshine Law.

Tennessee Open Records Act

Ambiguous

The Tennessee Open Records Act is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. While the broad definition of public body would presumably include state legislators, there is a strong exemption for documents held on the legislative computer system found at Tennessee law 30-10-108.^[1]

↑ RCFP Guide to Tennessee

Texas Public Information Act

The legislature falls under the definition of public body and is subject to the Texas Public Information Act.

Utah Government Records Access and Management Act

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Utah Code 63G-2-103(11)(a)(ii) and is subject to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act.

Vermont Public Records Law

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Vermont Statute 5-317 and is subject to the Vermont Public Records Law.

Virginia Freedom of Information Act

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found atVirginia Code 2.2-3701and is subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

The State Corporation Commission is explicitly exempted under Christian v. State Corporation Commission.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag The Washington State Supreme Court issued an unclear decision in Cowles Publishing Co. v. Murphy in 1981 with regard to the remainder of the records.^[1]

↑ Open Government Guide to Washington's law

West Virginia Freedom of Information Act

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at West Virginia Code, 29B-1-2 and is subject to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Wisconsin Open Records Law

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Wisconsin statute 19.32 and is subject to the Wisconsin Open Records Law. However, the legislature is exempt from the law requiring departments to post methods for filing a records request. ^[1]

↑ Wisconsin statute 19.34

Wyoming Sunshine Law

The legislature falls under the definition of public records found at Wyoming code 16-4-201 and is subject to the Wyoming Sunshine Law.

External links

RCFP Open Government Guide

Find your State

Sunshine Laws
Open Records laws
Open Meetings Laws
How to Make Records Requests

Sunshine Headlines
Across the Country or by State
Major Records Requests

Sunshine Legislation
2010
Sorted by State, Year and Topic

Sunshine Litigation
Sorted by State, Year and Topic

Sunshine Nuances
Private Agencies, Public Dollars
Deliberative Process Exemption

This page indicates whether or not a particular state legislature is subject to the state open meetings law as a whole or possess a broad exemption obtained either through statute or litigation. Currently thirteen states have an explicit exemption from the entire open meetings law either as an exemption or because the courts have declared that they cannot enforce the law, with some states encouraging legislatures to adopt their own guidelines within each legislative sessions rules. Of those exemptions ten are established by statute and three by the courts. Another fifteen state laws are ambiguous as to whether or not the legislature is included. The remaining laws include the legislature in the definition of public body. However, this inclusion does not prevent the legislature from employing other exemptions to close meetings, per the open meetings law.

Select a state

Here is a list of open records laws as they apply to the state legislature:

1 Alabama Open Meetings Act
2 p
The legislature falls under the definition of government body found at Alabama Code 36:25A:2 and is subject to the Alabama Open Meetings Act. However, legislative caucuses and coalitions are exempt.

Alaska Open Meetings Act

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Alaska Open Meetings Act under Alaska statute, 44.62.310(h)(3).

Arizona Open Meetings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Arizona Revised Statutes 38-431 and is subject to the Arizona Open Meetings Act. However, legislative caucuses are exempted.

Arkansas Open Meetings Law

Ambiguous

The Arkansas Open Meetings Law is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature.While the definition found of public body found within the law appears to include the legislature, the constitution and other statutes permit the legislature to enter executive session whenever they feel it is required.^[1]
1. ↑ RCFP Guide to AR
California Open Meeting Act

p
Grunsky-Burton act

The act states that the legislature including all committees, both standing and temporary, as well as "similar bodies" are required to conduct open meetings. ^[1]
1. ↑ Grunsky-Burton Open Meeting Act, statute 9027
Colorado Sunshine Law for open meetings

Ambiguous

The Colorado Sunshine Law for open meetings is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. While the broad definition of public body found in the law explicitly includes the general assembly at Colorado statute 24-6-402(d) the constitution permits the legislature to meet in secret when the legislature feels it is appropriate. ^[1]
1. ↑ See Cole v. State via RCFP Guide to CO
Connecticut Open Meetings Law

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Connecticut Statute 1-200 and is subject to the Connecticut Open Meetings Law.

Delaware Open Meetings Law

Ambiguous

The Delaware Open Meetings Law is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. While the broad definition of public body would presumably include state legislators and explicitly includes every "legislative committee" the General Assembly is explicitly exempt from notice requirements during emergencies and permits them to hold executive session at their discretion. Caucuses are explicitly exempt from the law. ^[1]
1. ↑ Delaware Open Meetings Law
Florida Open Meetings Law

Ambiguous

While the legislature does not fall under the Florida Open Meetings Law it does fall under an applicable constitutional amendment which mandates that the legislature hold meetings open to the public unless the meeting is specifically exempted by statute or the constitution.^[1]
1. ↑ Art. I, sec. 24(b), Fla. Const. (1993) via RCFP Guide to FL
Georgia Open Meetings Act

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Georgia Open Meetings Act under Coggin v. Davey.

Hawaii Sunshine Law

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Hawaii Sunshine Law under Hawaii Statute §92-10.

Idaho Open Meeting Law

Ambiguous

The Idaho Open Meeting Law is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. The law explicitly requires that all meetings of committees of the state legislature be open to the public. However, the legislature has the power to establish internal rules for convening any meeting in executive session making the law unenforceable. ^[1]
1. ↑ Idaho Statute 67-2346
Illinois Open Meetings Act

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Illinois Open Meetings Act under Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1.02.

Indiana Open Door Law

f

While the Indiana Open Door Law seems to include state legislative bodies within its definition of public body, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in State ex rel. Masariu v. Marion Superior Court that they are unable to enforce the law against the legislature due to separation of powers considerations. ^[1] The general assembly is also exempt from notice requirements found at Indiana Open Door Law 5-14-1.5-5(sec. 5).
1. ↑ State ex rel. Masariu v. Marion Superior Court via RCFP Guide to Indiana
Iowa Open Meetings Law

f

The legislature is exempted from the Iowa Open Meetings Law because they are not included in the definition of public body found at Iowa Code 21.2 as they are not explicitly mentioned and the legislature was not enacted by statute.^[1]
1. ↑ RCFP guide to IA
Kansas Open Meetings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Kansas Statutes 75-4318 and is subject to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

Kentucky Open Meetings Act

Ambiguous

The Kentucky Open Meetings Act is ambiguous in that the legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Kentucky Revised Statutes 61.805. However, all non-standing committees of the legislature are considered exempt from the law under Kentucky Revised Statutes 61.810.^[1]
1. ↑ Guide to KY
Louisiana Open Meeting Law

Ambiguous

The Louisiana Open Meeting Law applies to the Louisiana state legislature. However, the legislature holds different exemptions for convening an executive session and is exempt from requirements regarding public notice and left to decide based on internal resolution what notice requirements the legislature will impose. ^[1]
1. ↑ LA Open Meetings Law, 4.2, 6.2 and 7
Maine Open Meeting Law

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Main Statutes Title 1, Chapter 13, statute 402 and is subject to the Maine Open Meeting Law.

Maryland Open Meetings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Maryland Open Meetings Act 10-502.H and is subject to the Maryland Open Meetings Act.

Massachusetts Open Meetings Act

f

The Massachusetts Open Meetings Act does not include the legislature in its definition of public body found at Massachusetts General Laws 30a.11a.

Michigan Open Meetings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Michigan CodeAct 267 of 1976, 15.262 and is subject to the Michigan Open Meetings Act.

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at North Carolina Law 132-1 and is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law.

Minnesota Open Meeting Law

Ambiguous

The Minnesota Open Meeting Law does not include the legislature in its definition of public body found at Minnesota Statutes 13D.01. However, Minnesota Statute 3.055 requires all meetings of the legislature to be open to the public but charges the legislature with enforcing the statute through its own rules and regulations. In addition, the small bill does not outline any notice requirements for the legislature. ^[1]
1. ↑ RCFP Guide to MN
Mississippi Open Meetings Act

Ambiguous

The Mississippi Open Meetings Act includes the standing and interim committees of the legislature but explicitly exempts subcommittees and conference committees, under the definition found at Mississippi Statute 25-41-3.

Missouri Sunshine Law for open meetings

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Revised Statutes of Missouri 610.010 and is subject to the Missouri Sunshine Law for open meetings.

Montana Open Meetings Law

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Montana statute 2-3-203 and is subject to the Montana Open Meetings Law. In addition, the Montana Constitution requires that "The sessions of the legislature and the committee of the whole, all committee meetings, and all hearings shall be open to the public" without exception. ^[1]
1. ↑ Article V, § 10(3) via RCFP Guide to MT
Nebraska Open Meetings Act

Ambiguous

The Nebraska Open Meetings Act is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. While the broad definition of public body would presumably include state legislators it is unclear. In addition, while the constitution requires the legislatures meetings to be open to the public, it also permits the legislature to close the doors when it sees fit. In addition, historically the legislature has laid out rules for its own executive sessions. ^[1]
1. ↑ RCFP Guide to NE
Nevada Open Meeting Law

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Nevada Open Meeting Law under Nevada Revised Statutes 241.015.3.b.

New Hampshire Open Meetings Law

p

The legislature is explicitly included in the definition of public body found at New Hampshire Statute Title VI Statute 91-A:1-a.VI.a and is subject to the New Hampshire Open Meetings Law.

New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at http://ldb.njstatelib.org/Library_Law/lwopnmtg.php N.J.S.A.10:4-8.a] and is subject to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act.

New Mexico Open Meetings Act

Ambiguous

The New Mexico Open Meetings Act contains a statute which declares that all meetings of the legislature should be open to the public. However, the statute does not impose notification requirements and permits the legislature to adopt joint resolutions to override the open meetings requirements in any matter. In addition, the statute provides broad exemptions for the legislature including, "matters relating to personnel or matters adjudicatory in nature or to investigative or quasi-judicial proceedings relating to ethics and conduct or to a caucus of a political party".^[1]
1. ↑ New Mexico Statute 10-15-2
New York Open Meetings Law

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at New York Public Officers Law, Article 7 §102 and is subject to the New York Open Meetings Law. However, the law does contain an exemption for single party caucuses.

North Carolina Open Meetings Law

Ambiguous

Portions of the legislature fall under the North Carolina Open Meetings Law while others do not. The law explicitly includes standing committees and commissions of the legislature while exempting the Legislative Ethics Committee, conference committees and caucuses. In addition, unlike the broader law which establishes deadlines, the law requires the legislature to provide reasonable notice by announcing upcoming meetings in session or posting notice on the website.^[1]
1. ↑ NC Statute § 143‑318.14A.
North Dakota Open Meetings Statute

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at North Dakota Statute 44-04-17.1.13 and is subject to the North Dakota Open Meetings Statute. However, legislative caucuses are exempt from the law.

Ohio Open Meetings Law

Ambiguous

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Ohio Open Meetings Law under Ohio Statute 111.15. However, the state constitution requires meetings of the legislature to be open unless a 2/3 vote of the legislature closes the meeting. In addition, Ohio Statute 101.15 requires all meetings of legislative committees to be open to the public and requires the committee to provide public notice with a minimum of 24 hours notice for emergency meetings. Any action taken in violation of this law is considered void.^[1]
1. ↑ via RCFP Guide to OH
Oklahoma Open Meetings Act

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act under Oklahoma Statute Title 25, §§ 304. Instead the legislature is left to establish its own rules of conduct with regard to meetings.

Oregon Public Meetings Law

Ambiguous

The Oregon Public Meetings Law is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. While the broad definition of public body found at OR Statute 192.610 would presumably include the state legislature, it has not been challenged or held up in court.^[1]
1. ↑ via RCFP Guide to OR
Pennsylvania Sunshine Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 703 and is subject to the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. The act does however exempt single party caucuses in the legislature and House or Senate Ethics Committee meetings.

Rhode Island Open Meetings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE42/42-46/42-46-2.HTM Rhode Island Statute 42-46-2] and is subject to the Rhode Island Open Meetings Act.

South Carolina Open Meetings Law

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at South Carolina Statute 30-4-20 and is subject to the South Carolina Open Meetings Law.

South Dakota Open Meetings Law

Ambiguous

The South Dakota Open Meetings Law is ambiguous as to whether or not the law applies to the legislature. While the broad definition of public body found at South Dakota Statute 1-25-1 would presumably include the state legislature, the constitution provides the legislature the opportunity to enter executive session at their own discretion.^[1]
1. ↑ S.D. Const. art. III, § 15 via RCFP Guide to SD
Tennessee Open Meetings Law

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Tennessee Code 8-44-102(via Michies) and is subject to the Tennessee Open Meetings Law.

Texas Open Meetings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Texas Government Code 551.001 and is subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act. To reinforce this, the legislature goes on to state, "In this chapter, the legislature is exercising its powers to adopt rules to prohibit secret meetings of the legislature, committees of the legislature, and other bodies associated with the legislature, except as specifically permitted in the constitution."^[1]
1. ↑ Texas Government Code 551.003
Utah Open and Public Meetings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Utah Code 52-4-103 and is subject to the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act.

Vermont Open Meetings Law

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at 1 V.S.A. § 310. and is subject to the Vermont Open Meetings Law. In addition, at 1 V.S.A. § 313.(c) the legislature goes on to affirm that the provision of the law apply to them, stating, "The senate and house of representatives, in exercising the power to make their own rules conferred by Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution, shall be governed by the provisions of this section in regulating the admission of the public as provided in Chapter II, { 8 of the Constitution."

Virginia Open Meetings Law

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Virginia Open Meetings Law under Code of Virginia 2.2-3707 and is left to decide its own rules with regard to open meetings.

Washington Open Public Meetings Act

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Washington Open Public Meetings Act under RCW 42.30.020(1)(a).

West Virginia Open Governmental Proceedings Act

p

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at West Virginia Statute § 6-9A-2. and is subject to the West Virginia Open Governmental Proceedings Act. Specifically, any standing, select or special committee, except the commission on special investigations is subject to the act.

Wisconsin Open Meetings Law

f

In its ruling in State v. Circuit Court for Dane County the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the legislature did not amend the constitution by enacting the Open Meetings Law and as a result the open meetings law does not apply to the legislature. Instead, the guidelines for the legislature are outlined by the constitution which requires all legislative meetings to be open to the public but fails to outline guidelines for notice and affords the legislature the opportunity to decide on its own requirements for executive session. In addition, the court held that it had no power to enforce the rules of the legislature due to separation of powers considerations. ^[1]
1. ↑ Ruling in State v. Circuit Court for Dane County, ¶11-13
Wyoming Public Meeting Law

f

The legislature is explicitly exempted from the Wyoming Public Meeting Law under Wyoming statute 16-4-402.

See also
- Sunshine variations
External links
- RCFP Open Government Guide
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Legislatures and transparency

States

See also

External links

Select a state

Contents

See also

External links