Utah Open Meetings Act
Summary of the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act:
Notice of meetings must be posted 24 hours in advance. The act does not require any meeting to be closed. The public body cannot take action in a closed meeting.
Before convening in closed session the public body must vote on it in an open meeting. A two-thirds majority must approve the motion.
Reasons for holding a closed session
Meetings may be closed for six reasons (UCA 52-4-5 (1):
- Discussion of the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of an individual.
- Strategy sessions related to collective bargaining.
- Strategy sessions related to litigation.
- Strategy sessions related to the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property.
- Discussion of the deployment of security personnel or devices.
- Investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct.
If you suspect a meeting is about to be illegally closed, stand up, state your name and cite the reason for your concern. Ask that your comments become part of the meeting's record. If possible, ask for time to call the Utah FOI Hotline.
