Following bi-partisan approval in the State Assembly, CSDA-sponsored Assembly Bill 361 (Rivas) has been double-referred to the California State Senate Governance and Finance Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee. The measure unanimously passed the Assembly Local Government Committee, where Chair Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), took a moment to recognize the efforts of bill author Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and CSDA in bringing AB 361 forward.
During the May 5 Assembly Local Government Committee hearing, Chair Aguiar-Curry stated:
I want to thank you and your sponsor for starting your work on this bill for last year. I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you and the sponsor made to engage with all stakeholders early and often. The amendments you adopted before our committee show your sensitivity to the perspectives of all interested parties. This kind of deliberative and collaborative process we should all aim for, especially when making changes to the Brown Act, the centerpiece of local government open meeting law that impacts every one of our constituents, local elected officials and interest groups. I also want to thank you for accepting the committee's recommended amendment. We are all trying to increase participation by the public in the proceedings of their local governments. This bill is a responsible, targeted solution to make permanent tools we utilized during circumstances most of us never imagined before March 2020. I am pleased to support your bill today.
Video of the Chair’s remarks can be viewed here. Skip to 2:39:50 to jump directly to the comments.
AB 361 would allow special districts and other local agencies to utilize the type of virtual meeting technology authorized during the COVID-19 pandemic in the event of future declared emergencies. Providing such statutory authority would afford local agencies with certainty and flexibility when they need it most, allowing them to continue conducting the public’s business in a transparent and accountable manner without waiting for a new Executive Order from the Governor for each unique emergency circumstance.
Special districts are encouraged to complete an Automated Form Letter in support of AB 361 or download and submit a sample letter at csda.net/take-action/brown-act.
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