Section 44-04-19 - Access to public meetingsExcept as otherwise specifically provided by law, all meetings of a public entity must be open to the public. That portion of a meeting of the governing body of a public entity as defined in subdivision c of subsection 13 of section 44-04-17.1 which does not regard public business is not required to be open under this section.
1. This section is violated when any person is denied access to a meeting under this section, unless such refusal, implicitly or explicitly communicated, is due to a lack of physical space in the meeting room for the persons seeking access or lack of electronic capacity to allow public viewing of the meeting through electronic means.2. For purposes of this section, if the meeting is held in person, the meeting room must be accessible to, and the size of the room must accommodate, the number of persons reasonably expected to attend the meeting. If the meeting is held by electronic means, the electronic capacity must accommodate the number of persons reasonably expected to attend the meeting remotely.3. The right of a person to attend a meeting under this section includes the right to photograph, to record on audiotape or videotape, and to broadcast live on radio or television the portion of the meeting that is not held in executive session, provided there is no active interference with the conduct of the meeting. The exercise of this right may not be dependent upon the prior approval of the governing body. However, the governing body may impose reasonable limitations on recording activity to minimize the possibility of disruption of the meeting.4. For meetings subject to this section, if the meeting is held through any electronic means, the information necessary to join or view the meeting electronically must be included in the notice issued under section 44-04-20.Amended by S.L. 2021, ch. 15 (HB 1015),§ 46, eff. 7/1/2021.Amended by S.L. 2021, ch. 328 (HB 1349),§ 3, eff. 8/1/2021 but later changed to 5/10/2021.