HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport Letter - AB 2449 (Rubio) - 04.08.2022April 8, 2022
The Honorable Blanca Rubio
California State Assembly
Capitol Office, 1021 O Street, Suite 5250
P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249
RE: AB 2449 (Rubio) - SUPPORT
Dear Assemblymember Rubio,
On behalf of the City of Cupertino, I am writing to express support for AB 2449 (Rubio),
which would eliminate the previously existing concept of teleconference locations and revise
notice requirements to allow for greater public participation in teleconference meetings of local
agencies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconference meetings provided a unique
opportunity for Californians across the state to better participate in both local and statewide
government meetings. Many local elected officials and appointed members have also
participated remotely in official business and have shown effective leadership while keeping
themselves and their families healthy and safe.
AB 2449 would require that a quorum of the governing body be physically present at a
clearly identified meeting location for all public meetings. The bill also expresses legislative
intent to improve and enhance public access to local agency meetings, consistent with the
digital age, by allowing broader access through the teleconferencing options on a consistent
ongoing basis outside of a declared emergency.
AB 2449 does not require teleconferencing, rather, it modernizes existing law to ensure
greater public participation in meetings of the legislative bodies of local agencies wh o choose to
utilize teleconferencing. While current law does allow for “teleconference locations” under
normal circumstances, it requires that various actions be taken at the teleconference locations
and fails to recognize in the modern digital age that a teleconference location is wherever there
is a person with a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Providing livestreams and call-in or video options for public participation benefit those
who have traditionally faced obstacles in interacting with local government, such as working
MAYOR DARCY PAUL
CITY OF CUPERTINO
CORRESPONDENCE TO ASSEMBLYMEMBER RUBIO SUPPORTING AB 2449 page 2 of 2
families, parents without childcare, low-income communities, or people with disabilities. For
these reasons, the City of Cupertino supports AB 2449.
Sincerely,
Darcy Paul
Mayor
City of Cupertino
cc: Senator Dave Cortese
Senator Josh Becker
Assemblymember Evan Low
Assemblymember Marc Berman