REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Action on Potential March 10, 2022 Cities Association Legislative Action Committee Meeting AB 1944 Agenda Item
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
On October 9, 2018, Council adopted Resolution No. 18-8611 to approve a Legislative Advocacy Position (LAP) Policy (Attachment 1). The LAP Policy establishes clear guidelines for advancing City goals and positions through legislative review and advocacy at the regional, State, and federal levels of government and to provide guidance for City officials who serve on regional, State, and national boards, committees, and commissions when they are asked to review public policy matters and issues.
The LAP Policy provides that, "If a Council policy relative to the legislation does not exist, the issue is politically controversial, or there is significant local interest in the issue, the proposed legislation including a recommendation to support, remain neutral, or not support the legislation is brought to Council for consideration."
DISCUSSION
Staff was notified that AB 1944 - Local government: open and public meetings, which was introduced by Assembly Members Alex Lee and Cristina Garcia, is tentatively scheduled for consideration at the upcoming March 10, 2022 Cities Association Legislative Action Committee (LAC) meeting. It would be an action item asking LAC members to take a preliminary vote to recommend to the full Cities Association Board to support, oppose or take no position on the current version of AB 1944.
In its current form, AB 1944 allows members of a local legislative body, upon majority vote, to waive the Brown Act requirements of publishing their private address on the meeting agenda and making this address open to members of the public. It also requires a remote participation option for members of the public to address the body, only during meetings when the legislative body elects to use teleconferencing.
AB 3...
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