SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Members of the public could ask a judge to intervene if a local government body cuts off public comment before deciding an issue, under a bill approved by the state Assembly.
Democratic Assemblywoman Nora Campos of San Jose says her AB194 “puts some teeth” into the state’s public meetings law. The bill passed on a 42-7 vote Wednesday and goes to the Senate.
The legislation would let people request that a local government body re-open discussion if its initial consideration did not allow for complete public comment on a particular agenda item.
If the government entity refused, the person or a county prosecutor could ask a judge to invalidate the government’s decision.
Associations representing school districts and school administrators are opposed, saying enough protections already exist under current law.
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