FISCAL NOTE

Senate Bill 228 as introduced authorizes members of the various governmental bodies of state and local government to participate in their respective meetings, except executive session meetings, without being physically present. This could decrease the reimbursement expenses, paid by the various governmental bodies for per diem and travel, to: (1) the members of local governmental bodies by an undetermined amount dependent upon the number of meetings held and the number of members that attend by electronic means; and (2) the members of state governmental bodies by an estimated $159 per member for each meeting attended by electronic means. In addition, this bill reduces the number of members required to be physically present at meetings to establish a quorum, which could further decrease the reimbursement expenses paid by state and local governmental bodies for travel and per diem if more members opt to attend regular meetings by electronic means rather than in person.