Must members of a public governmental body be physically present at a meeting to vote?
The Sunshine Law generally allows members of a public governmental body to participate in a meeting and vote without being physically present, for example, by telephone. But if a public governmental body consists of members who are all elected, Section 610.015 requires that members be physically present and in attendance at a meeting when votes are to be taken by roll call. In an emergency, less than a quorum of the body may participate by phone, Internet or other means, but only if a quorum of the members are physically present at the meeting location. The physical presence requirement does not apply to any committee established by a public governmental body or to members of the General Assembly.
Related Questions
- Are members of the governing body of a public agency criminally liable for violations of the Open Meeting Law in which they knowingly participate?
- Does every gathering of various members of a public body constitute a "meeting" under FOIA?
- May the members of a governing body vote by secret ballot at an open meeting?
