An act relating to the Working Group on Asynchronous Open Meetings

This bill creates a temporary Working Group on Asynchronous Open Meetings to study how public bodies in Vermont could use technology to hold electronic meetings where participants join at different times rather than live. The group will include representatives from the legislature, state agencies, news media, and municipalities, and will examine available technology, public access, best practices, and costs associated with such meetings. The Working Group must hold its first meeting by September 1, 2024, and submit a written report with findings and recommendations by January 15, 2025, after which the group will dissolve. The bill also provides for per diem compensation and reimbursement for group members attending meetings, with funding appropriated from the General Fund.