Illinois2026Active
HB0026
Allowing Remote Meetings During Severe Weather
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:00 AM
In one sentence
This bill changes the Open Meetings Act to let public groups hold meetings by phone or video if a severe weather alert is active and in-person attendance is not practical.
What it does
- Allows open or closed meetings to be held entirely by audio or video conference without a quorum physically present during specific conditions.
- Requires the National Weather Service to determine that all or part of the public body's jurisdiction is under a severe weather alert on the day of the meeting.
- Mandates that the head of the public body decides holding an in-person meeting is not practical due to the severe weather alert.
- Ensures all members can hear each other, verify their identity, and participate in discussion during remote meetings.
- Requires at least one member or official to be physically present at the regular meeting location unless the severe weather makes this impossible.
Who it affects
- Public bodies subject to the Illinois Open Meetings Act
Limits and unknowns
- The bill does not specify which types of severe weather alerts qualify, only that one must be active.
- It is unclear if this rule applies equally to all public bodies or if specific procedural rules adopted by the body further limit attendance.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Quorum
- The minimum number of members required to be present for a meeting to legally take place.
- Severe Weather Alert
- A determination by the National Weather Service that an area is subject to dangerous weather conditions.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
REMOTE MEETINGS-SEVERE WEATHER