FISCAL NOTE

House Bill 361 as introduced authorizes members of the various governmental bodies of state and local government to participate in their respective executive session meetings without being physically present. This could decrease the reimbursement expenses paid by 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 executive session 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 executive session 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 by an undetermined amount dependent on the number of members that attend regular meetings by electronic means rather than in person.