LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill designed to prevent Nebraska county supervisors from making decisions behind closed doors has won first-round approval in the Legislature.
Lawmakers on Monday voted 28-0 on a proposal that would define a quorum as a simple majority of board members. Current state law defines a quorum as a two-thirds majority.
Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber says the current law allows four supervisors on a seven-member board to discuss county business in private, without triggering Nebraska's open meetings law. That majority could then approve measures as a formality during official meetings.
The bill was supported by the Nebraska Association of County Officials, Media of Nebraska Inc., and the Nebraska Press Association.
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The bill is LB937
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