Open Meetings Clarification Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

Updated the definition of 'meeting' to include gatherings held in person, by telephone, electronically, or through other communication means, and clarified that meetings for the Council specifically include regular legislative meetings and committee meetings where votes are taken.

Added exemptions for chance or social gatherings (unless held to avoid the act) and press conferences from the meeting definition.

Created a new exemption allowing public bodies to discuss and receive briefings on methods to protect against terrorist activity or public health dangers, provided disclosure could endanger the public.

Added an exemption for meetings between Council members and the Mayor, as long as no official action is decided at those meetings.

Changed the requirement for public access from 'shall provide' to 'shall attempt to provide,' and updated language to allow meetings to be deemed open if the public can view or hear them while the meeting is taking place, or as soon as reasonably practicable if technology doesn't allow simultaneous access.

Modified notice requirements for urgent matters, adding language to allow urgent matters to proceed notwithstanding standard notice paragraphs.

Added an effective date of July 5, 2025, and included an emergency sunset provision limiting the act's duration to 90 days following approval.