NCGA Leaders Encourage Local Boards to Utilize Electronic Meetings During COVID-19 Crisis

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, local governments across North Carolina are going to be making critical decisions to help protect the well-being of their residents. Thanks to modern technology, electronic meetings are easier than ever before.

Legislative leaders and the North Carolina Press Association released the following joint statement on conducting business via electronic meetings:

“During these unprecedented times, we know that local governing boards have to make tough decisions quickly. In order to do so, many boards are turning to electronic measures to conduct business,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), and NCPA Executive Director Phil Lucey said. “State law allows for electronic meetings, and we encourage boards to utilize them. Boards should follow the guidance from the Attorney General’s Office about conducting meetings electronically with proper notice, and ideally, at no cost to individual viewers or listeners.

“Now, more than ever, North Carolinians need to know and understand the decisions their elected officials are making. They also need to prioritize their health and safety. Providing citizens with access to their elected leaders through audio or video streams gives them the ability to stay connected with their government while staying home.”