S.C. Supreme Court Says Public Meeting Agendas Optional

The state Supreme Court has ruled that public bodies in South Carolina do not have to publish agendas before their regular meetings and they can add to the list of items discussed during the meetings.

The justices ruled this week in a Saluda County case after a citizen sued the county council for adding an item about water services during a meeting in 2008.

The ruling said South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act includes the phrase "if any" when mentioning agendas must be posted. The justices say that means an agenda isn't required.

South Carolina Press Association Executive Director Bill Rogers says the ruling will allow governments to vote on items without the public knowing about them in advance. He wants public bodies to keep publishing their agendas.