TRENTON, N.J. — Most public bodies meet in person once or twice per month. Now, New Jersey wants to allow these bodies to meet virtually all year long, even when there is no good reason to not meet in person.
A proposed bill that would allow public bodies in New Jersey to conduct meetings and accept public comments remotely, regardless of emergencies, has moved forward in the state legislature.
Under current law, the use of electronic communication for meetings, voting, and public comment is limited to times of state or local emergencies, such as public health crises or natural disasters. The new legislation would remove those restrictions, making remote access a permanent option for public meetings.
The measure ensures that any meeting conducted via electronic means would still be accessible to the public under the open meeting requirements outlined in the “Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act.” This includes provisions to keep proceedings transparent and open to public participation.
The bill defines “public body” broadly, encompassing commissions, boards, councils, and other state entities empowered to make decisions or spend public funds, but excluding entities such as parole boards, juries, and political party committees.
Supporters of the bill argue that expanding remote access would increase civic engagement and accessibility for residents unable to attend in person.
This legislation marks a significant step in modernizing public governance in New Jersey.
