Are committees required to be open?
Yes. The definition of "governing body" includes any group of persons who are getting together under authority delegated by a governing body.

But I can talk to one other member of a governing body without it being a meeting, can't I?

Yes, as long as the two of you are not a quorum of a three-member governing body (including committees) and the discussion is not part of a sequence of individual conversations, which collectively involve a quorum of a governing body. But be aware that if members of a governing body participate in a series of individual conversations that collectively constitute a quorum of the governing body, those conversations are a meeting.

If we hold an open meeting, do we have to allow the public to address the governing body?

No. The right to attend an open meeting does not include the right to participate in that meeting. However, other statutes may require a public hearing at which the public is allowed to comment on specific subjects.

Show All Answers

1. What do I need to know about the open records and meetings laws?
2. Is there a certain process that cities need to follow in order to comply with ND open record laws when considering job applications for a vacant position?
3. Are the records related to job applications open to the public under ND Open Records Law?
4. What can happen if we violate the law?
5. You mean I can be charged with a crime for violating the open records and meetings laws?
6. What is a "meeting?"
7. Are committees required to be open?
8. How can we properly hold a closed meeting?
9. When is notice required?
10. What are we supposed to do with a meeting notice?
11. Can we add items to the agenda of a meeting?
12. Is everything in a government office a "record"?
13. What are we supposed to do when we receive a request for records?
14. How can we properly deny a request for records?
15. Can we require requesters to identify themselves and explain why they want the requested records, or at least make them put the request in writing?
16. Are we required to give unsupervised access to open records?
17. Do we have to make copies of records and mail the records to the requester?
18. What can we charge if a person requests records?
19. Do we have to separate non-public information from public information?
20. Who may call a special meeting of the city governing board?
21. How long does a city need to advertise a special meeting before it happens?