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Open Meetings

1 V.S.A. § 312 — every meeting of a public body is open, and no action binds unless taken there

All meetings of a public body are open to the public at all times, except for executive sessions, and no formal action is binding unless taken at an open meeting.

  • 1 V.S.A. § 312
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  • An executive session needs a vote in open meeting, by two-thirds of members present for a state body or a majority for a municipal one, on a motion stating its nature.
  • Only the listed subjects may be taken up there, and no binding action is taken there apart from real estate options.
  • Before suing, a person gives the body written notice of the violation, and the body answers publicly within 10 calendar days.
  • Knowingly and intentionally violating the law is a misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.
  • 1 V.S.A. § 313
  • 1 V.S.A. § 314
Sources for this section (3)
  1. 1 V.S.A. § 312 — Right to attend meetings of public bodies
  2. 1 V.S.A. § 313 — Executive sessions
  3. 1 V.S.A. § 314 — Penalty and enforcement

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Vermont attorney.

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