The open meetings law requires all official meetings of public bodies to be open to the public. G.S. 143-318.10(a). However, government bodies can hold closed-door meetings, called closed sessions, under certain limited circumstances. This post focuses on the personnel matters … Read more

This post was co-authored with SOG faculty member Phil Dixon Jr. A version of this post is also available on the School of Government’s North Carolina Criminal Law blog. When and how can state and local government officials and employees … Read more

NOTE: This post has been updated to reflect developing case law.  When can local governments charge for responding to public records requests? How much can they charge and for what services? While certain aspects of public records law provide a … Read more

[UPDATE: This post has been updated to reflect practitioner input. Updated sections are italicized]. As of September 22, the General Assembly approved House Bill 259, a budget for the current and upcoming fiscal years. The budget bill, which will become … Read more

With glowing references, top-notch productivity, and all-around likability, Shifty Sam seemed like Aboveboard Town’s most valuable employee (name aside). When Shifty Sam is arrested, his coworkers are shocked and dismayed. The Aboveboard Town Council wants to learn more about Sam’s … Read more

The quorum requirement is a fundamental principle of parliamentary procedure. Quorum refers to the minimum number of people who must be present for a governing body to conduct official business. Taking official action without a quorum present could prompt potential … Read more

My last post introduced parliamentary procedure and local rules of procedure generally. This week, we’ll explore the procedural rules surrounding motions. A motion is a formal proposal by a board member that invites the body to take some action. (RONR … Read more

What do the General Statutes say about whether a motion at a board meeting was proper? When multiple motions are pending during a board meeting, which motion should the board address first? What laws govern how to rescind an action … Read more

This post is Part 9 of a multi-part series co-authored by Kristi Nickodem and Kristina Wilson. For a more detailed explanation and legal analysis of the issues discussed in this blog post series (including citations to cases referenced in the … Read more

This post is Part 8 of a multi-part series co-authored by Kristi Nickodem and Kristina Wilson. For a more detailed explanation and legal analysis of the issues discussed in this blog post series (including citations to cases referenced in the … Read more