8. a. Consistent with section 1 of P.L.2020, c.11 (C. 10:4-9.3) and notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, whenever a public health emergency, pursuant to the “Emergency Health Powers Act,” P.L.2005, c.222 (C. 26:13-1 et seq.), or a state of emergency, pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A.9-33 et seq.), or both, or a state of local disaster emergency has been declared by the Governor and is in effect, a local public body may conduct a public meeting remotely by electronic means, provided that reasonable public notice and provision for public input is made under the circumstances.

b. The Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs shall adopt, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations concerning the conduct of remote public meetings during a public health emergency or state of emergency that are necessary to implement the provisions of subsection a. of this section, which shall include minimum procedures to be followed to provide reasonable public notice and allowance for public input. The director may adopt an emergency rule pursuant to subsection (c) of section 4 of P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-4) to implement this section.

c. “Local public body” means any “public body,” as that term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1975, c.231 (C. 10:4-8), with territorial jurisdiction equal to or less than a county.

“Public meeting” means the same as that term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1975, c.231 (C. 10:4-8).

L.2020, c.34, s.8.