SB 2259: The People's Access Act

This bill, known as "The Peoples Access Act," mandates that official meetings of most public bodies in Mississippi, with specific exceptions, must be broadcast via video livestream on the front page of their official websites or on a designated government channel. Public notices for these meetings must also be broadcast online and include a detailed agenda of discussion topics, along with a link to the livestream. The Department of Finance and Administration will maintain a central list of these livestream links for public access. Any action taken by a public body that fails to diligently comply with these livestreaming or public notice requirements will be considered void and without legal effect. If technological issues prevent livestreaming, the meeting must be recorded and the recording and minutes posted online as soon as possible, with an explanation for the livestreaming failure. This requirement applies to political subdivisions and municipal corporations, but not to the Legislature or the judiciary. Cities must comply by January 1, 2027, towns by July 1, 2027, and villages and hamlets by January 1, 2028.