§6-9A-11. Request for Advisory Opinion; Maintaining Confidentiality
(a) Any governing body or member thereof subject to the provisions of this article may seek advice and information from the executive director of the West Virginia Ethics Commission or request in writing an advisory opinion from the West Virginia Ethics Commission Committee on Open Governmental Meetings as to whether an action or proposed action […]
§6-9A-12. Duty of Attorney General, Secretary of State, Clerks of the County Commissions and City Clerks or Recorders
It is the duty of the Attorney General to compile the statutory and case law pertaining to this article and to prepare appropriate summaries and interpretations for the purpose of informing all public officials subject to this article of the requirements of this article. It is the duty of the Secretary of State, the clerks […]
§6-9A-6. Enforcement by Injunctions; Actions in Violation of Article Voidable; Voidability of Bond Issues
The circuit court in the county where the public agency regularly meets has jurisdiction and is a proper venue to enforce this article upon civil action commenced by any citizen of this state within 120 days after the action complained of was taken or the decision complained of was made. Where the action seeks injunctive […]
§6-9A-7. Violation of Article; Criminal Penalties; Attorney Fees and Expenses in Civil Actions
(a) Any person who is a member of a public or governmental body required to conduct open meetings in compliance with the provisions of this article and who willfully and knowingly violates the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500: Provided, That […]
§6-9A-8. Acting by Reference; Written Ballots
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the members of a public agency may not deliberate, vote, or otherwise take official action upon any matter by reference to a letter, number or other designation or other secret device or method, which may render it difficult for persons attending a meeting of the public agency […]
§6-9A-9. Broadcasting or Recording Meetings
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, any radio or television station is entitled to broadcast all or any part of a meeting required to be open. (b) A public agency may regulate the placement and use of equipment necessary for broadcasting, photographing, filming or recording a meeting, so as to prevent undue interference […]
§6-9A-10. Open Governmental Meetings Committee
The West Virginia Ethics Commission, pursuant to subsection (j), section one, article two, chapter six-b of this code, shall appoint from the membership of the commission a subcommittee of three persons designated as the West Virginia Ethics Commission committee on open governmental meetings. The chairman shall designate one of the persons to chair the committee. […]
§6-9A-1. Declaration of Legislative Policy
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that public agencies in this state exist for the singular purpose of representing citizens of this state in governmental affairs, and it is, therefore, in the best interests of the people of this state for the proceedings of public agencies be conducted openly, with only a few clearly defined […]
§6-9A-2. Definitions
As used in this article: (1) "Decision" means any determination, action, vote or final disposition of a motion, proposal, resolution, order, ordinance or measure on which a vote of the governing body is required at any meeting at which a quorum is present.
§6-9A-3. Proceedings to Be Open; Public Notice of Meetings
(a) Except as expressly and specifically otherwise provided by law, whether heretofore or hereinafter enacted, and except as provided in section four of this article, all meetings of any governing body shall be open to the public. (b) Any governing body may make and enforce reasonable rules for attendance and presentation at any meeting where […]