Can they participate in a conversation in the chat room without violating the Open Meetings Act?
Not if the purpose of the chat room is to discuss public business. While the issues related to electronic technology and the Sunshine Laws continue to evolve, it is likely that such a practice would violate the Illinois Open Meetings Act, which defines a “meeting” as a gathering of a majority of a quorum held for the purpose of discussing public business. 5 ILCS 120/1.02. While at least one state has held that the “physical presence” of the participants was essential to constitute a meeting, (Roanoke City School Board v. Times-World Corp., 307 S.E.2d 256 (1983)), Illinois courts have been more expansive in defining what constitutes a meeting. Freedom Oil Company v. Illinois Pollution Control Board, 275 Ill.App.3d 508 (4th Dist. 1995). For an additional discussion, see the Illinois Municipal Handbook, pp. 75 – 88. In a Village with a president and six trustees, the mayor and three trustees attend a board meeting. During the meeting, a trustee storms out of the board room and goes home t
