Georgia

Open Meetings Act

Formally: Georgia Open Meetings Act

Ga. Code Ann. §§ 50-14-1 to 50-14-6

Read the statute →

Sunshine Score: 42/100 (moderate)
42/100

Sunshine Score

42/100
Weak
Methodology v0.1
Advance Notice 1 day
Public Comment Not required, remote allowed, written accepted
Closed Sessions 5 permitted categories
Minutes Required
Recording Not required
Remote Participation Allowed
Enforcement Voidable, legislature exempt

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Regular Meetings
1 day
Special Meetings
1 day
Emergency Meetings
0 hours

Online posting: Not required

Post notice at least 24 hours before meeting at regular meeting place; agenda posted at meeting site during 2-week window before meeting; regular meeting schedule posted one week in advance

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote for urgent items

Public Participation

Public Comment
Not required
Written Comment
Allowed

Georgia Open Meetings Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 et seq.) does not require a public comment period. Public bodies may adopt their own comment policies. The law guarantees access to observe meetings but does not establish any right to address the body.

Virtual Meetings

Member Remote Participation
Allowed
Counts Toward Quorum
No
Public Remote Comment
Allowed

Allowed under O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(b)(1)-(2); remote participation counts as full attendance but a quorum must be physically present unless emergency conditions apply. Limited to twice per calendar year per member absent emergency or physician opinion. Amended 2024 Ga. Laws 357.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Required
Yes
Publication Deadline
3 days

Online posting: Not required

Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, matters considered, record of votes (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(e)(2))

Recording & Broadcast

Recording Required
No
Broadcast Required
No

Enforcement

Violation Effect
Voidable
Standing to Sue
Any person, Attorney General, district attorney
Enforcement Body
Superior Court, District Attorney, Attorney General

Scope

This law applies to:

  • City
  • County
  • School District
  • Special District

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.

Sources & References

← Back to Open Meetings & Public Notice Laws

The specific rules for Georgia may differ from this general description. Consult the full statute for details.