Bill expands use of executive session

PIERRE — A bill that would allow the discussion of security matters in executive session was approved unanimously Jan. 23 by the House State Affairs Committee.

HB1048 would allow the discussion of security matters by county commissions, city councils and school boards in executive session.

“In today’s world there’s a lot more discussion about security,” said Rep. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, a former Brookings City Council member and former mayor.

The bill references security documents that are already not made public. Reed said the bill brings the open meetings law in line with the open records law.

If the bill becomes law, elected bodies will be able to discuss in closed session topics that include the security of property or the people on that property; vulnerability assessments; computer network information; guard schedules; lock combinations; emergency or disaster response plans; the location or listing of weapons; nuclear, chemical or biological agents; and safety and security audits.

The bill was endorsed by representatives of municipalities, counties and school boards. No one spoke against it.

Executive sessions are only allowed for specific reasons. HB1048 expands the current executive session law that already includes meeting away from public view to discuss employee performance, student expulsions or discipline, consulting with legal counsel, contract negotiations and the discussion of pricing or marketing strategies.

The bill was endorsed by the committee on a 10-0 vote and placed on the consent calendar. Consent calendar items are not discussed by the full House unless a member requests that it come off the calendar.