RELATING TO OPEN MEETINGS.

HB 494 repeals the exemption that currently allows the state legislature to hold private meetings under the State's open meetings law. This change would require all legislative sessions and committee meetings to comply with the same public access rules as other government bodies. The bill directly affects the legislature by removing its special status, making its proceedings subject to standard transparency requirements. If passed, it would ensure all legislative deliberations are conducted in publicly accessible meetings, aligning the legislature with general open government standards.