Louisiana § RS 42:20 - Written minutes
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 42:20 — Written minutes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 42:20. Written minutes
A. All public bodies shall keep written minutes of all of their open meetings. The minutes to be kept by the legislature and legislative committees and subcommittees shall be governed by the provisions of R.S. 42:21. The minutes of all other public bodies shall include but need not be limited to:
(1) The date, time, and place of the meeting.
(2) The members of the public body recorded as either present or absent.
(3) The substance of all matters decided, and, at the request of any member, a record, by individual member, of any votes taken.
(4) Any other information that the public body requests be included or reflected in the minutes.
B.(1) The minutes shall be public records and shall be available within a reasonable time after the meeting, except where such disclosures would be inconsistent with R.S. 42:16, 17, and 18, or rules adopted under the provisions of R.S. 42:21.
(2) If the public body has a website, the public body shall post on its website a copy of the minutes made available pursuant to Paragraph (1) of this Subsection and shall maintain the copy of those minutes on the website for at least three months after the posting. If the public body is required to publish its minutes in an official journal, the public body shall post its minutes on its website as required by this Paragraph within ten days after publication in the official journal. If the public body is not required to publish its minutes in an official journal, the public body shall post its minutes on its website as required by this Paragraph within a reasonable time after the meeting. The inability of the public to access the public body's website due to any type of technological failure shall not be a violation of the provisions of this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 665, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, Ex.Sess., No. 21, §1, eff. Nov. 19, 1981; Acts 2010, No. 861, §23; Acts 2014, No. 628, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 42:20
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 42:20 cover?
Section RS 42:20 ("Written minutes") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 42:20?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 42:20" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 42:20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.