1. A. Although an open meeting may be scheduled as in-person, the public body is obligated to provide for participation via electronic means on an individualized basis by people with disabilities.

2. B. People with disabilities are defined as any of the following:

   1. 1. a member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
   2. 2. a designated caregiver of such a person; or
   3. 3. a participant member of the public body with an ADA-qualifying disability.
3. C. The public body shall ensure that the written public notice for an open meeting, as required by R.S. 42:19, includes the name, telephone number and email address of the designated public representative to whom a disability accommodation may be submitted.
4. D. Upon receipt of an accommodation request, the designated representative is only permitted to ask if the requestor has an ADA-qualifying disability or is a caregiver of such a person (yes or no). The requestor shall not be required to complete a medical inquiry form or disclose the actual impairment or medical condition to support a disability accommodation request.
5. E. The designated representative shall provide the requestor with the accommodation, including the teleconference and/or video conference link, for participation via electronic means as soon as possible following receipt of the request, but no later than the start of the scheduled meeting.

6. F. Participation via electronic means shall count for purposes of establishing quorum and voting.

   1. 1. Any member of the public body participating via videoconference must be visually present on-screen throughout the meeting.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 42:14, R.S. 42:17.2 and R.S. 3:3

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of the Commissioner LR 51:782 (June 2025).