State of Indiana Releases New Meeting Guidelines

(UNDATED) – Gov. Eric Holcomb has released new guidelines regarding government meetings open to the public.

Gov. Eric Holcomb

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, public agencies are now being advised to cancel non-essential meetings, according to a news release from the Office of Public Access Counselor Luke H. Britt.

Agencies are encouraged to advise the public of such cancellations but are not required to do so.

Under the new guidelines, meetings deemed essential should be limited to 50 people, which must include members of the media and public. The 50 person limit is consistent with recommendations previously released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition, public agencies also are being encouraged to re-locate meetings to larger venues if possible, regardless of attendance, to allow attendees to practice social distancing. The governor also has encouraged the use of technology for remote meetings. This would include live-streaming and other forms of broadcasting.

It also has been recommended meetings be kept as short as possible, with non-essential items being removed from agendas.

The media is encouraged to make public record requests remotely for the time being.