The meetings of the governing body of a public agency must, with limited exceptions, be open to the public.  Public agencies include all state boards, agencies, commissions, and education institutions created by statute, as well as all counties, cities, school districts, and special purpose districts.  A meeting is a gathering of the governing body where the transaction of the official business of the public agency occurs.  The transaction of official business includes, but is not limited to, the receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations, reviews, evaluations, and final actions.

The governing body may enter into executive session for deliberations, and exclude the members of the public from the executive session, under certain circumstances.

Meetings of the governing body require a physical location for the public to attend and for notice to be given.  Minutes must be taken at all regular and special meetings, and the minutes must be available for public inspection.

A governing body is not required to take public testimony during a meeting.

Public agencies are encouraged to provide for increased public access and participation in governing body meetings through real-time telephone, Internet, or other readily available means of remote access to the meeting that does not require an additional cost for accessing the meeting.  Public agencies are also encouraged to make an audio or video recording of, or to provide a streaming option for, all regular governing body meetings, and to make the recordings of such meetings available online for at least six months.

The purpose for excluding the public from an executive session must be entered into the minutes of the meeting.

Except in an emergency situation, the governing body of a public agency must provide an opportunity for public comment at or before every regular meeting at which final action is taken.  Public comment can be taken orally at the meeting, or by providing an opportunity for submitting written comment prior to the meeting.  The governing body may set a reasonable deadline for the submission of this written comment before the meeting.  Written comment must be distributed to the members of the governing body.  
  

The requirement to accept public comment does not limit the authority of the governing body to deal with interruptions, to put limitations on the time or nature of public comments, or to accept public comment that prevents the orderly conduct of a meeting.

When an individual requests the opportunity to provide oral comment at a meeting remotely because of disability, limited mobility, or another reason that makes physical attendance at a meeting difficult, the governing body shall, when feasible, provide the opportunity if other members of the public will be allowed to provide oral comment at the meeting.

(In support) During the months of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been working to ensure that transparency is not a victim of the pandemic.  Generally, the efforts of local agencies have been good.  Hopefully this can broaden citizen participation and civic engagement in democracy.   People with disabilities, and those who have caregiving responsibilities, have a difficult time traveling to meetings.  The disability community has learned that making requirements voluntary means that they do not happen.  The changes in this bill are meaningful.  With this bill, we can guarantee public comment as a right and increase inclusivity of all voices and accountability.  Local government officials have supported this bill.  Allowing in-person meetings to be eliminated is problematic, as in-person meetings are important.  Both in person and virtual options should be offered.

(Opposed) None.

(Other) Recordings are important as they allow a full record of proceedings to be maintained.  These recordings should be maintained according to the Public Records Act retention schedules.  Having different requirements under this bill and under the Public Records Act could create confusion.  This bill has both positive and negative aspects, and should be making things better, not more confusing.  There is worry that the language about impracticability will lead to litigation.  Adding remote testimony requirements are beneficial for the disability community and anyone who is travelling from a distance, but the remote option should not replace the in-person option.  There is a benefit for elected officials to see their constituents face to face at meetings.