July 9, 2021

Updated: Open Public Meetings and the COVID-19 Emergency

The following is a summary of the Proclamation, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office guidance, and face mask requirements currently in effect.

Using emergency powers to provide for the functioning of government during the COVID-19 crisis, Governor Inslee and legislative leaders temporarily waived certain requirements of the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act (“OPMA”) for all governing bodies in the state subject to the OPMA. Under the current Proclamation, public agencies are required to offer a remote option for public meetings. In addition, beginning June 30, 2021, all public agencies are also permitted to offer an in-person option for public meetings.

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