Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in section 6.1 of this chapter, all meetings of the governing bodies of public agencies must be open at all times for the purpose of permitting members of the public to observe and record them.
(b) A secret ballot vote may not be taken at a meeting.
(c) A meeting conducted in compliance with section 3.5 or 3.6 of this chapter or any other statute that authorizes a governing body to conduct a meeting using an electronic means of communication does not violate this section.
(d) This subsection applies only to the governing body of a school corporation or charter school. The governing body:
(1) shall allow a member of the public who is physically present at the meeting location, including a meeting conducted under section 3.5 of this chapter, to provide oral public comment; and
(2) may allow a member of the public to provide oral public comment during a meeting conducted under section 3.7 of this chapter.
A governing body may adopt reasonable rules to govern the taking of oral public comment at a meeting. However, the taking of oral public comment on a topic must occur before the governing body takes final action on the topic. The governing body may set a limit on the total amount of time for receiving oral public comment on a topic.
(e) Nothing in this section prohibits a governing body from taking reasonable steps to maintain order in a meeting, including removal of any person who is willfully disruptive of the meeting.
As added by Acts 1977, P.L.57, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.38-1988, SEC.6; P.L.1-1991, SEC.35; P.L.179-2007, SEC.3; P.L.134-2012, SEC.10; P.L.116-2022, SEC.1; P.L.124-2022, SEC.2.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 5. State and Local Administration
Article 14. Public Records and Public Meetings
Chapter 1.5. Public Meetings (Open Door Law)
5-14-1.5-2.1. "Public Agency"; Certain Providers Exempted
5-14-1.5-3.2. School Corporation or Charter School; Oral Public Comment
5-14-1.5-3.5. Electronic Meetings of Political Subdivisions; Statutory Authorization Required
5-14-1.5-3.6. Electronic Communications by Certain Governing Bodies
5-14-1.5-3.7. Electronic Meetings During Disaster Emergency
5-14-1.5-4. Posting Agenda; Memoranda of Meetings; Public Inspection of Minutes
5-14-1.5-5. Public Notice of Meetings
5-14-1.5-6.1. Executive Sessions
5-14-1.5-6.5. Collective Bargaining Meetings; Applicable Requirements
5-14-1.5-7. Violations; Remedies; Limitations; Costs and Fees
5-14-1.5-7.5. Civil Penalties Imposed on Public Agency, Officer, or Management Level Employee