States, cities & tribes
open meetings law
State laws requiring public bodies to meet in public, post agendas in advance, and keep minutes. Often called sunshine laws.
In full
These laws typically apply to any gathering of a quorum where business is discussed, including some email chains, and require advance notice of the time, place, and subjects. Closed executive sessions are allowed for narrow purposes such as litigation, personnel, or real estate negotiation. Violations can void the action taken.
Also written as: sunshine law
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.