Public confidence in our governing process is critical and complying with public accountability measures like the OML gives the public body the credibility they need to govern. Most importantly, it is that credibility that gives you the license to do the work you signed up for when you ran for the school board – to help give kids the best learning environment in which to fulfill their potential.
Arizona’s Open Meeting Law comprises only eight sections of Arizona statute. However, contained in that those sections are requirements that sometimes seem as complex as anything found in an Internal Revenue Service manual.
In the 2000 legislative session, the Open Meeting Law was substantially revised through consensus legislation sponsored by all state and local public bodies, the media associations and Arizona’s Attorney General’s Office – three contingents that, in the past, had often been at-odds on interpretations of the Open Meeting Law. The reason the legislation was endorsed by all parties was singular in its purpose: to give greater clarity to all concerned about the requirements of the law.
Now that time has passed years new questions have arisen – it appears to be the nature of this beast. Here we provide answers to frequently asked questions. However, when a solution is found for one query, three more will pop up. It is, therefore, best to consult your district’s attorney for specific issues or questions around OML.