| Senate Oks Bill Strengthening Open Meetings Act |
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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi Senate has passed a bill that supporters say would strengthen the state's Open Meetings Act. The bill passed Thursday. It says that if a public body is found in violation of the law, the state Ethics Commission or a chancery court could nullify any action that occurred during the illegally closed meeting. The bill also would impose a fine of up to $1,000 on any person found in violation of the law. Democratic Sen. David Baria of Bay St. Louis said currently only a $100 fine is imposed, and the fine is assessed to the public body so taxpayers bear the cost. The bill moves to the House. ___ The bill is Senate Bill 2373. |