Councilwoman Price joined in signing a May 2021 letter supporting (with strengthening amendments) AB 339, a bill that would require cities to continue allowing public telephonic testimony (begun during the pandemic.) The jointly signed letter states
We, the undersigned elected officials, write in strong support of Assembly Bill 339 by Assemblymember Alex Lee and the public’s right to participate in the local governmental decision-making process through expanded opportunities to join public meetings and make public comment via telephonic and internet-based service options.
Geographic, economic and other barriers – especially for rural and working-class communities who may lack travel options or not be able to take the time to travel to meetings typically held during the daytime, as well as for folks with mobility issues where travel may be difficult and burdensome – prevent many Californians from engaging in local government. These communities deserve a seat at the decision-making table and a voice in policy decisions that affect them, and it is the responsibility of the government to facilitate their participation.
Existing law, the Ralph M. Brown Act, requires, with specified exceptions, that all meetings of a legislative body of a local agency be open and public and that all persons be permitted to attend and participate. AB 339 would enhance public participation and expand access by ensuring that constituents in larger jurisdictions have opportunities to join and comment at open and public city council and county board of supervisor meetings, in-person and remotely. Despite concerns that local governments might incur substantial costs to comply with the bill, and contentions that they are too fiscally strapped to do so, many agencies covered by the measure have already voluntarily met the standards set out in the bill, even before they received the large influx of federal stimulus funds authorized this year. There are also cost-effective ways to meet compliance, such as using a phone to livestream to Youtube or Facebook. Ultimately, we understand these requirements may impose additional costs, but we believe that costs should not be a barrier for members of the public to be civically engaged and informed.
While we believe that AB 339 makes important strides toward public participation for the largest jurisdictions, we would also support including additional local agencies in all jurisdictions.
Furthermore, while AB 339 does not currently require translation services, we strongly encourage continued exploration of a translation and interpretation service requirement for all jurisdictions in order to ensure all Californians can equally participate in the political process.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote meetings have provided a unique opportunity for Californians across the state to better participate in local government meetings and give their input on important decisions regarding school reopening, housing, and public health. The past year has shown us how technology can be utilized to expand access and engagement with local government, and AB 339 builds on these gains of the past year to maintain and provide this access to more Californians now and once meetings return to in-person.
Remote options that ensure equitable access to public meetings are necessary to ensure a government that is accountable to all of its constituents, not just a select few. Our democracy functions best when everyone is able to participate equally, and AB 339 makes important
progress towards this goal. For these reasons, we support AB 339.
