Georgia’s Open Meetings Act requires most meetings of state and local government bodies to be open to the public. The law is designed to promote transparency by giving residents the opportunity to observe how public decisions are discussed and made.
It is one of two laws defining requirements of governments in Georgia for transparency. The other is the Open Records Act.
To read a FAQ about the Open Meetings Act and the Open Records Act follow this link to the Georgia Attorney General’s website.
What is Georgia’s Open Meetings Act?
The Georgia Open Meetings Act is a state law that says meetings of government agencies, boards, commissions and other public bodies generally must be open to the public. It also requires advance notice of meetings and, in most cases, meeting agendas and minutes.
The law applies whenever a quorum of a governing body gathers to discuss or take official action on public business. It covers regular, special and called meetings, whether held in person or through electronic means if a quorum is participating.
The Act is separate from Georgia’s Open Records Act, which governs public access to government documents.
How it works in Cobb County
The Open Meetings Act applies to many local government bodies in Cobb County, including the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, city councils in Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth and Mableton, local school boards, planning commissions and other public boards created by law.
In practice, residents can expect:
- Regular meeting schedules posted in advance.
- Notice of special or emergency meetings, with timing that depends on the circumstances.
- Meetings that are generally open for the public to attend.
- Minutes documenting actions taken.
- Votes taken in public rather than behind closed doors.
Public bodies may enter a closed session, known as an executive session, only for reasons specifically allowed by law. Common examples include discussing pending litigation, certain real estate transactions before a purchase or sale is finalized, or limited personnel matters. Before closing a meeting, the body must publicly identify the legal basis for the executive session, and any final vote or official action generally must occur in open session.
The law does not require a governing body to allow public comment. Whether residents can speak during a meeting depends on the rules adopted by that particular board or council.
Why it matters to residents
The Open Meetings Act gives residents a way to monitor decisions that affect taxes, zoning, transportation, schools, public safety and other local issues.
For example, if the Cobb County Board of Commissioners is considering a rezoning request or a budget amendment, the public generally has the right to attend the meeting where those matters are discussed and voted on. That transparency helps residents understand how decisions are made and hold elected officials accountable.
What to know now
Violations of the Open Meetings Act can be challenged in court, and a judge may invalidate actions taken in violation of the law in some circumstances. Georgia’s Attorney General also has authority to enforce the Act and investigate complaints. Government bodies that knowingly violate the law may face civil penalties.
The law recognizes that some government business must remain confidential, but it starts from the presumption that official meetings should be conducted in public whenever possible.