Illinois2026Active
HB0023
HB0023: Defining Emergencies and Remote Attendance for Public Meetings
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:00 AM
In one sentence
This bill amends Illinois law to define 'bona fide emergency' and 'exigent circumstances,' allowing a majority of a public body to permit one member to attend remotely if they cannot be present due to exigent family circumstances.
What it does
- Amends the Open Meetings Act by defining the terms 'bona fide emergency' and 'exigent circumstances'.
- Defines 'bona fide emergency' as a disaster, an act of terror, or any occurrence threatening government operations or public health and safety.
- Defines 'exigent circumstances' as situations requiring immediate attention, including injury, sickness, loss of life, or property damage.
- Allows a majority of the members to permit one member to attend by remote means if that member is prevented from physically attending due to exigent family circumstances.
- Makes technical changes to Sections 1.02 and 7 of the Open Meetings Act.
Who it affects
- Members of public bodies, including legislative, executive, administrative, or advisory bodies supported by tax revenue in Illinois.
Limits and unknowns
- The official text provided does not include an effective date for when these changes begin.
- The source material is truncated and cuts off before listing all groups excluded from the definition of a public body.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Bona fide emergency
- A disaster, an act of terror, or any occurrence that threatens the continuity of governmental operations or endangers public health and safety.
- Exigent circumstances
- A situation requiring immediate attention, such as injury, sickness, loss of life, or damage to property.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
OPN MTG-EMERGENCY DEFINED