SD13 - Teleconferencing by Public Bodies
Executive Summary: Until 1989, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) prohibited public bodies from conducting electronic meetings. In 1988, a joint subcommittee studying the FOIA recognized that advances in technology could enable groups to "meet" in new ways, and it agreed to recommend a trial period for meetings via teleconference. Public bodies participating in the experiment would have to adhere to certain rules - giving advance notice and recording the meeting, for example. to protect the public's right of access - but other than that were free to choose audio or video teleconferencing, or a combination of both. Originally, the trial period was to last two years, followed by a report on the results at its end; the experiment, however, was extended to three years by the 1991 General Assembly. The results so far have been favorable. There have been no significant problems or abuses and all users have given teleconferencing satisfactory reviews. During the first 28 months of the experimental program, 12 agencies held 17 meetings electronically, saving the state approximately $13,555 in costs which would have been incurred in traditional face-to-face meetings. All participants reported that they would use teleconferencing again, for reasons which ranged from costs savings and convenience to expediency. No complaints were received, and the terms of the program were generally adhered to. The recommendation of the Department of Information Technology (DIT), found on page 8, favors teleconferencing as a permanent option for meetings under the FOIA. |
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