Bill > AB467

This bill extends an existing authorization for neighborhood councils in Los Angeles to use alternative teleconferencing provisions until January 1, 2030, with specific requirements designed to ensure public access and participation. Under these provisions, an eligible legislative body (in this case, a neighborhood council) can use teleconferencing if the city council adopts a resolution authorizing it and two-thirds of the neighborhood council votes to do so. The bill mandates that teleconferenced meetings must provide clear public access methods, including call-in and internet-based options for attending and commenting in real-time, and prohibits requiring public comments to be submitted in advance. The legislation also requires that at least a quorum of council members participate from within the city's boundaries, with at least one in-person meeting per year at a public location. The bill's rationale stems from the experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, where teleconferencing was found to increase public participation, make government more accessible, and protect public health. By creating these specific provisions for Los Angeles neighborhood councils, the legislature aims to provide flexibility for volunteer, uncompensated council members who have difficulty finding consistent public meeting locations while maintaining transparency and public engagement.

Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB467