The City of Connersville is navigating uncharted waters as it prepares for a new state law mandating live streaming and archiving of public meetings (HEA 1167 passed in 2023), even as the law’s future remains uncertain.
Mayor Chad Frank has emphasized the city’s commitment to funding.
“We are trying to get everyone to the table so we can find a funding mechanism.”
However, the law’s implementation has been delayed until July 2025, and further amendments are expected.
John Pause, Executive Director of the city’s public access channel TV3, revealed that after conversation with one of the bill’s authors, they are going to add more.
Proposed changes include removing state educational institutions from the law’s purview and clarifying the definition of covered local agencies.
Who’s in, who’s out: A shifting landscape
Under the current language, the following entities would be required to live stream and archive their public meetings:
Definitely In:
All state agencies’ governing bodies (e.g., Department of Natural Resources Commission, Professional Licensing Agency Board)
City and town councils
County commissioners and councils
School boards with elected members (not appointed)
Any board regularly meeting in the same room as the above bodies (e.g., a library board using the city council chambers)
Township boards (trustees, advisory boards)
Likely Out:
State universities and colleges (potentially removed by the proposed amendment)
Purely advisory boards with no decision-making power (e.g., cemetery boards, 911 advisory boards)
Boards whose meetings are already fully broadcast live on established channels (this is subject to interpretation, pending official guidance)
Gray Areas (Need Clarification):
Special taxing districts (like libraries, not directly elected)
Boards whose meetings are partially broadcast, e.g., only audio
Potentially: Sheriff merit boards, and health boards, depending on their specific powers within the county government.
State guidance and local initiative clash
The Indiana Public Access Counselor (PAC), Luke Britt, whose office provides guidance on public access laws, confirmed that no official guidance has been released yet.
“Since the law doesn’t go into effect until next July 2025, we have not formally released guidance,” Britt said. “It may still be subject to change... After next spring’s session, there will likely be guidance on implementation before it becomes official.”
The path forward
As the state legislature prepares for its next session, the potential for additions or more clarity of HEA 1167 hangs in the balance. It is crucial for local governments to stay informed about any legislative developments and the forthcoming guidance from the PAC.
The News Examiner will continue to monitor this evolving situation, providing updates on any legislative changes, official guidance, and the city’s ongoing efforts to navigate this complex issue.