Indiana

Open Door Law

Formally: Indiana Open Door Law

Ind. Code §§ 5-14-1.5-1 to 5-14-1.5-8

Read the statute →

Sunshine Score: 52/100 (moderate)
52/100

Sunshine Score

52/100
Limited
Methodology v0.1
Advance Notice 2 days
Public Comment Not required, remote allowed, written accepted
Closed Sessions 6 permitted categories
Minutes Required
Recording Required, broadcast required
Remote Participation Allowed
Enforcement Voidable, legislature exempt

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Regular Meetings
2 days
Special Meetings
2 days
Emergency Meetings
0 hours

Online posting: Not required

Post notice at least 48 hours before meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) at principal office; agenda posted at meeting entrance prior to meeting

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote for emergency items only

Public Participation

Public Comment
Not required
Written Comment
Allowed

Indiana Access to Public Meetings Act (Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5) does not require a public comment period. Public bodies set their own comment policies. The law guarantees the right to attend and observe but does not establish a floor for public participation.

Virtual Meetings

Member Remote Participation
Allowed
Counts Toward Quorum
Yes
Public Remote Comment
Allowed

Allowed under IC 5-14-1.5; members may participate by electronic means and count toward quorum. Physical minimum required: the greater of two members or one-third of the governing body must be physically present. Public may observe virtual proceedings.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Required
Yes
Publication Deadline
30 days

Online posting: Not required

Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all final actions taken and votes of each member (IC 5-14-1.5-4)

Recording & Broadcast

Recording Required
Yes
Broadcast Required
Yes

Enforcement

Violation Effect
Voidable
Max Civil Penalty
$100
Standing to Sue
Any person
Enforcement Body
Circuit or Superior Court

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 Indiana may differ from this general description. Consult the full statute for details.