Open Meeting Law

Sunshine Score

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Online posting: Required

Post agenda at least 48 hours before regular meeting and 24 hours before special meeting; post on website and in/near municipal office and at least two other designated places

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote

Public Participation

At an open meeting, the public shall be given a reasonable opportunity to express its opinion on matters considered by the public body during the meeting, as long as order is maintained. Public comment is subject to reasonable rules established by the chairperson; restrictions must be viewpoint- and content-neutral and applied equally. Does not apply to quasi-judicial proceedings. 1 V.S.A. § 312(h).

Virtual Meetings

Allowed under 1 V.S.A. § 312; members may attend by electronic means. If quorum or more attend electronically, at least one physical location must be designated for public access. Electronic platform must allow direct public access and telephone participation. Remote members count toward quorum; non-unanimous votes by roll call.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

• Personnel
• Pending Litigation
• Real Property
• Labor Negotiations
• Security
• Privacy

Meeting Minutes

Online posting: Required

Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, record of all votes (1 V.S.A. § 312)

Recording & Broadcast

Enforcement

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

• Full text of law →