When may a public body hold an executive session?

• A. For topics like personnel, collective negotiations, attorney-client privilege, or security, per statute.
• B. Whenever there is a disagreement among members.
• C. For any matter without public notice.
• D. Only during legislative sessions.

Answer: (A)

Executive sessions are closed meetings allowed by statute for narrowly defined topics. The law recognizes that certain sensitive matters—such as personnel matters, collective negotiations, communications that are attorney‑client privileged, and security concerns—need privacy to protect individuals, the public interest, or security. When these topics arise, a public body may hold an executive session, but only with proper procedure and for the permitted purposes. Discussions outside those topics, or held without the required notice and process, belong in open session. It’s also not limited to legislative sessions; executive sessions can occur whenever the body is meeting, provided the topic fits the statutory allowances.