A victory for open government in Huntington WV where City Council members have approved a resolution that prohibits them from using electronic communication devices during public meetings for texting and emailing during public meetings. This follows Huntington Herald Dispatch reporting on internal and external texting during meetings.

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The resolution "amends the Rules of Council to prohibit council members from using 'electronic communication devices, such as phones or other devices for texting or receiving texts, emailing or receiving emails, or other forms of electronic communication by Council members . . . while Council is in session except in the instance of a bona fide emergency, at which time the Council member shall notify the Chair prior to using the electronic device.'

"'This is something to show transparency. We're doing it in the best interests of the people.'

'Moving forward, council members will get tablets that do not receive communication to use during meetings, which will also limit the use of paper. The City Clerk's Office will be able to upload documents directly to the tablets before meetings and council members can take notes on the devices."