RCRC, along with a coalition of local government association partners, is sponsoring Assembly Bill 817, authored by Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey). The bill would remove barriers to entry for appointed and elected office by allowing non-decision-making legislative bodies that do not have the ability to take final action to participate in two-way virtual teleconferencing without posting location.
Specifically, AB 817 would provide a narrow exemption under the Ralph M. Brown Act for non-decision-making legislative bodies that do not have the ability to take final action on any legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or other entitlements. The current requirement for in-person participation in local legislative bodies presents a disproportionate challenge for those with physical or economic limitations, including seniors, persons with disability, single parents and/or caretakers, economically marginalized groups, and those who live in rural areas and face prohibitive driving distances. This legislation would remove barriers to participation.
Counties wishing to support this legislation may use the draft support letter available for download here.
The bill has been referred to the Assembly Local Government Committee. RCRC’s letter of support is available here. For more information, please contact Sarah Dukett, RCRC Policy Advocate.