Local agency meetings have a new set of transparency requirements this month, as an executive order expires and a new law temporarily changes the state’s public meeting rule known as the Brown Act.
Boards of supervisors, school boards, city councils and other agencies have the option to hold their meetings through teleconference, if California is still in a state of emergency, but only if the board members vote by majority to do so to protect people’s health.
Pandemic precautions and wildfire displacement would both be reasons for a teleconference.
The tele-meetings now have beefed up transparency protocols: live public comment must be accommodated, and if that option is removed
