FISCAL NOTE

Senate Bill 316 as introduced authorizes members of the various governmental bodies of state and local government to participate in their respective meetings, without being physically present. In addition, this bill prohibits members participating remotely from claiming reimbursement for expenses, including mileage and per diem which 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 meetings remotely; and (2) the members of state governmental bodies by an estimated $159 per member, for each meeting attended remotely. 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 remotely rather than in person.