(a) Whenever a governing body, or any person authorized to act for a governing body, meets with an employee organization, or any person authorized to act for an employee organization, for the purpose of collective bargaining or discussion, the following apply:

1. (1) Any party may inform the public of the status of collective bargaining or discussion as it progresses by release of factual information and expression of opinion based upon factual information.
2. (2) If a mediator is appointed, any report the mediator may file at the conclusion of mediation is a public record open to public inspection.
3. (3) If a factfinder is appointed, any hearings the factfinder holds must be open at all times for the purpose of permitting members of the public to observe and record them. Any findings and recommendations the factfinder makes are public records open to public inspection as provided by any applicable statute relating to factfinding in connection with public collective bargaining.

(b) This section supplements and does not limit any other provision of this chapter.

As added by Acts 1979, P.L.39, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.67-1987, SEC.5; P.L.1-2005, SEC.80; P.L.48-2011, SEC.1.