2017 House Bill 4184

Restrict local governmental body “phone-in” voting

Introduced in the House

Feb. 9, 2017

Introduced by Rep. Lana Theis (R-42)

To restrict members of an elected public body casting a vote without being physically present. This would be allowed in one meeting per year per member, if the individual is absent for what other members deem to be good cause. It would also be allowed if a delay on a personnel or infrastructure issue could raise costs or liability.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

April 27, 2017

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 30, 2017

Amendment offered by Rep. Gary Howell (R-82)

To clarify that the proposed provisions for elected bodies apply also to individuals appointed to those bodies.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Sue Allor (R-106)

To allow a public body consisting of elected members to adopt a resolution requiring their physical presence to vote, with none of the exceptions proposed by the bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

May 31, 2017

Passed in the House 96 to 12 (details)

Received in the Senate

June 6, 2017

Referred to the Committee on Elections and Government Reform