RCRC, along with a coalition of local government association partners, is sponsoring Assembly Bill 817, authored by Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey). This measure would remove barriers to entry for appointed and elected office, by allowing non-decision-making legislative bodies that cannot take final action to participate in two-way virtual teleconferencing without posting locations. This bill would only cover advisory bodies that do not make decisions, but merely provide recommendations to decision-makers.
Participation in local advisory bodies often serves as an entry point for greater civic engagement and a pathway for public service. Local governments across the state have faced an ongoing challenge to recruit and retain members of the public on advisory bodies, boards, and commissions, and often, the voices at the table do not include those who are representative of the community the decisions will impact most. The in-person requirement for participation in local advisory 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, thereby, face prohibitive driving distances and limited public transit.
AB 817 protects access and transparency while providing for increased diverse community input and creating a much-needed pathway for residents to participate in local government.
On Wednesday, January 10th, Eddie Crandell, RCRC Board Member and Lake County Supervisor, testified in support of AB 817 during a meeting of the Assembly Local Government Committee. The measure passed out of Committee and is being referred to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.
RCRC encourages counties to submit letters of support. RCRC’s letter of support is available here. For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Sarah Dukett.