Posted: | December 15, 2022 02:05 PM |
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From: | Representative Liz Hanbidge |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Ensuring Public Participation |
The COVID-19 pandemic forced local governments in our state to meet electronically, doing so to protect the health and safety of public officials and the public. To accommodate this necessity, we provided mechanisms for political subdivisions to meet remotely during a declaration of disaster emergency. In addition, we required advance notice of remote meetings and public participation, but only during the COVID-19 emergency. We need to look towards the future and be better prepared for crises that require remote municipal meetings, while still preserving public trust and transparency. For this reason, I plan to introduce legislation to permanently establish standards for advance notice and public participation for remote municipal meetings. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. We need to give our local elected leaders the flexibility to conduct their business during a declaration of disaster emergency and ensure the people still have a voice during times of great uncertainty. Your consideration is appreciated. |
Introduced as HB811