West Virginia
Open Governmental Meetings Act
Formally: West Virginia Open Governmental Meetings Act
W. Va. Code §§ 6-9A-1 to 6-9A-12
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Open Meetings Score
| Advance Notice | 3 days, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required, remote allowed |
| Closed Sessions | 4 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
File notice on Secretary of State website at least 5 business days before meeting for state agencies; advance notice with date, time, place, and agenda for all public bodies
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote
Public Participation
West Virginia Open Governmental Proceedings Act (W. Va. Code § 6-9A-1 et seq.) does not mandate a public comment period. Bodies set their own comment rules.
Virtual Meetings
Allowed under W. Va. Code § 6-9A; meetings may be held by telephone conference or videoconference with all members able to hear and be heard and media/public present at the meeting able to hear participants. Quorum may be established via remote participation. Ethics Commission 2023 advisory opinion confirms remote meeting validity.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Not required
Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all resolutions/ordinances/motions (W.Va. Code § 6-9A-5)
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.