Section 814

Section 814.  Virtual Meetings.

(a) Virtual meetings may be called by the Board of Governors and, in the case of the House of Delegates, the Presiding Officer. The Board of Governors and, in the case of the House of Delegates, the Presiding Officer, may call for the meeting to be partially or wholly virtual, in advance of the meeting being scheduled. Members may participate in a manner consistent with these Bylaws and as otherwise directed by the Board and, in the case of the House of Delegates, the Presiding Officer.

(b) In order to participate in any virtual meeting, whether the meeting is hybrid or wholly virtual, including a meeting of the House of Delegates, members shall do so by means of electronic or advanced communication technology whereby all persons in physically separate locations participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear each other, see the person who is speaking, and communicate with other participants via two-way communication equipment.

(c) Participation in a virtual meeting, whether the meeting is hybrid or wholly virtual, pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. With regard to the House of Delegates, participation virtually in a hybrid meeting of the House of Delegates is only permitted if: (1) the Delegate’s absence would otherwise be excused by the House; (2) in advance of the House meeting, the Delegate requests, in writing, permission to attend the House of Delegates virtually in a manner established by the Presiding Officer; and (3) in advance of the House meeting, the Delegate’s request is granted, in writing, by the Presiding Officer or the Committee on Credentials and Admissions.

(d) Electronic polling may be conducted if deemed warranted by the Chair.

(e) Virtual meetings may be recorded and presence at or participation in a virtual meeting shall be deemed consent to being recorded.