Executive Session
A closed-door meeting of a legislative body, committee, or governing board where the public and press are excluded, typically held to discuss sensitive matters like personnel issues, national security, or legal strategy.
A closed-door meeting of a legislative body, committee, or governing board where the public and press are excluded, typically held to discuss sensitive matters like personnel issues, national security, or legal strategy.
Example: The Senate Intelligence Committee frequently meets in executive session to review classified briefings from the CIA and NSA regarding ongoing foreign threats.
Common misconception: Executive sessions are illegal or violate open meeting laws. Most open meeting laws (like the Sunshine Act) explicitly permit executive sessions for specific, narrowly defined topics to protect privacy or security, provided the vote to close the meeting is public.