Senate Committee Approves Wieckowski Transparency Bill

Press release from Senator Wieckowski's Office:

March 31, 2021

State Senator Bob Wieckowski’s (D-Fremont) SB 274, a bill to modernize local government transparency policies by requiring agencies to email agenda packets to people who request them, passed today out of the Senate Governance and Finance Committee with bipartisan support. The bill is supported by the Los Angeles Sunshine Coalition and a number of media organizations.

“In the 21st century, people who want to stay abreast of what their local agencies are doing, should not have to rely upon mail deliveries that are often inconsistent or late,” said Senator Wieckowski. “Those who want to be informed in advance of what actions are under consideration by a local board or agency will be able to request the agenda packets be emailed to them under my bill. Timing is critical for people who want to look over the information prior to a hearing. SB 274 allows for meaningful public participation in the decisions being made by local governments.”

SB 274 updates the Brown Act, California’s sunshine law for local government. The Brown Act requires local agencies to mail agenda packets to people who have requested copies. But if the agencies mail hard copies, the items might not arrive in time. Some jurisdictions mail via certified mail, which requires the requester to be physically present and jurisdictions can charge for mailing cost.

Wieckowski’s bill will make it easier, faster, and cheaper for the public to receive agenda packets by requiring local agencies to email such items if a person requests them by email.

“SB 274 would close a small but consequential gap in the Brown Act,” said Adrian Riskin, policy and advocacy coordinator at Los Angeles Sunshine Coalition, the bill’s sponsor. “Email notifications of public meetings will make it easier for everyone to participate. This, in turn, strengthens our democracy.”

In addition to Los Angeles Sunshine Coalition, SB 274 is supported by media organizations, such as the California News Publishers Association and The Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California. It is also backed by Oakland Privacy, the California Taxpayers Association, and a variety of government, labor, business and education organizations.

SB 274 now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Senator Wieckowski represents the 10th District, which includes southern Alameda County and parts of Santa Clara County.

This press release was produced by Senator Wieckowski's Office. The views expressed here are the author's own.