District of Columbia
Open Meetings Act
Formally: DC Open Meetings Act
D.C. Code §§ 2-571 to 2-580
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 2 days, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required, remote allowed |
| Closed Sessions | 7 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required, online posting required |
| Recording | Required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
Provide notice at least 48 hours or 2 business days (whichever is greater) before meeting; publish in DC Register; post on website or in office
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote
Public Participation
D.C. Code § 2-575 (Open Meetings Act) does not mandate a public comment period. Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) must allow public comment under ANC rules. Other public bodies set their own comment policies; the statute is silent on any mandatory opportunity to speak.
Virtual Meetings
Allowed under D.C. Code § 2-575; meetings may be held by telephone, electronically, or other means. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners may participate and vote remotely. Virtual meeting authority has been extended through 2024.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Required
Content requirements: date, time, place, members present/absent, all votes taken
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Scope
This law applies to:
Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)
Accessibility & Language Access
ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.
Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.