I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:
More citizen engagement in government affairs is a good thing, right?
Rep. Jimmy Gordon (R-Isanti) thinks so. He sponsors HF3295 that would authorize a public body to live broadcast meetings subject to the Open Meeting Law using social media.
Current law allows state governmental units to hold official meetings by “interactive technology,” but Gordon says more clarity is needed on whether “interactive technology” includes social media streaming, and if it does, whether online comments during the meeting, if allowed, would be part of the official public record.
“HF3295 would clear all that up and hopefully lead to more public bodies live broadcasting meetings, which in turn would lead to a more engaged and informed electorate,” he said.
By a voice vote, the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the bill Thursday and sent it to the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee.
Much of the debate focused on how to handle public comments on livestreamed meetings.