Memorandum
Date: January 9, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Bruno Sabatier, District 2 Supervisor
Subject: Consideration of a Letter of Support for AB 817 (Pacheco), Which Proposes Changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act to Enable Indefinite Use of Two-Way Teleconferencing by Members of Non-Decision-Making Advisory Bodies
Executive Summary:
Use of teleconferencing markedly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the availability and widespread adoption of electronic tools facilitated a significant increase in engagement in public meetings. Emergency provisions that allowed for remote participation in advisory bodies, boards and commissions were rolled back when the State of Emergency associated with COVID-19 was lifted. In Lake County, this meant increased travel time, and physical and geographical barriers to full participation for many residents, particularly for those serving as members of non-decision-making advisory boards and similar bodies.
AB 817, as amended March 16, 2023, would indefinitely allow members of non-decision-making advisory bodies subject to the Brown Act to meet using use two-way virtual teleconferencing, without requiring members to make their teleconference location (for some, a home address), open to the public and posted on the meeting’s Agenda. Additionally, the requirement for a quorum to participate from a singular physical location within the boundaries of a local agency’s jurisdiction would be lifted. This would be expected to positively affect recruitment and consistency of engagement in relevant groups, and provide more equitable opportunity for participation.
I recommend our Board formally Support AB 817, and authorize the newly-elected Chair to sign the attached Letter.
The Letter and AB 817 have likewise been reviewed by Matthew Rothstein, Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer and Legislative Coordinator. AB 817 has also gained the support of both RCRC and CSAC. Mr. Rothstein also recommends your Board approve the Letter of Support.
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Recommended Action: Approve the Letter of Support for AB 817 (Pacheco), which proposes changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act to enable indefinite use of two-way teleconferencing by members of non-decision-making Advisory Bodies.