STATEHOUSE – A bill authored by State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) to increase government efficiency and cut costs passed unanimously in a final vote in the Senate. House Bill (HB) 1003 would allow a member of the governing body of any state agency to participate in an electronic meeting if it meets all requirements of the Open Door Law and a quorum of the governing body adopts a policy regarding electronic meetings. “By allowing members of state boards and agencies to participate in meetings electronically allows more Hoosiers, particularly those in the far corners of the state, to be involved in their state government,” said Rep. Crouch. “This bill provides uniformity to those boards that vote to allow their members to attend electronically. In addition, it will reduce costs by cutting back on per diem payments for members having to attend their meetings from out of town.” HB 1003 also states that if a meeting by electronic communication is conducted, the governing body must have at least two-thirds of the members physically present at the meeting place and can take only roll call votes. Each member of the governing body must also physically attend at least one meeting every year. HB 1003 passed both the House and Senate with unanimous votes. The bill will now go to conference committee where members of the House and Senate can concur on amendments to the bill.
-30- Rep. Crouch authors bill to increase public participation in government passes Senate, 2-21-12.docx |
