MMA webinar focuses on open meeting and public records laws

An MMA webinar on May 27 offered an extended opportunity to discuss the state’s public records and open meeting laws.

Attorneys Lauren Goldberg and Janelle Austin of KP Law led the hour-long open forum, which was a follow-up to a March 19 webinar that covered the fundamentals of each law.

Goldberg and Austin reminded attendees that text messages and emails are covered under both the open meeting and public records laws. They shared best practices for electronic communication, including being mindful of who is included in the conversation and what information is shared. They recommended using text messages or emails only for scheduling purposes.

“Groups of people that are exchanging feelings, ideas, beliefs and concerns about a matter within a public body’s jurisdiction can only do so at a properly posted public meeting,” Goldberg said.

The attorneys answered numerous questions regarding when a public records request is technically received and the various formats for those requests. Requesters do not need to identify themselves or the reason why they’re seeking certain records, Austin said.

Goldberg and Austin answered dozens of questions, addressing inquiries about meeting agenda specificity, body-worn cameras, and large-scale requests.