Contact: justin.tran@sen.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Newsom has signed Senate Bill 544, authored by State Senator John Laird (D – Santa Cruz), which updates the Bagley-Keene Act provisions for state boards and commissions.
“Senate Bill 544 is a significant step forward in modernizing the Bagley-Keene Act to embrace the power of technology by fostering equity and enhancing public engagement, while also preserving public access to the decision-making process,” said Senator Laird.
“When the Bagley-Keene Act was adopted in 1967, no one envisioned the computer age. The Americans with Disabilities Act had not been adopted. The idea that citizens could participate in public meetings remotely was not common. The COVID pandemic demonstrated the need to address those changes. The state conducted meetings remotely to continue the public process, and learned of the benefits and drawbacks of virtual participation.”
Senator Laird continued, “SB544 promotes public access – providing three things for the first time: that boards and commissions have a quorum present in public at one location, requiring that remote public officials have their camera on, and providing remote testimony options for public hearings.”
The meeting processes developed during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed those with disabilities and travel restrictions to participate in state board processes; increased public participation by the public not having to come to Sacramento, and reduced meeting costs by approximately 90%. More specifically, these temporary measures removed barriers to access for board members that are elderly, disabled, immunocompromised, and other individuals who struggle to attend meetings in-person. SB 544 is supported by disability rights and senior advocacy organizations.
“SB 544 recognizes the many barriers that people with disabilities encounter when participating on public bodies. It addresses those barriers by clarifying the right of disabled persons to participate in public meetings remotely when necessary because of their disabilities. The bill is a thoughtful, balanced set of reforms that promote inclusion and equal access.” Eric Harris, Director of Public Policy at Disability Rights California
“I’m pleased that SB 544 passed. When Governor Newsom allowed California’s boards and commissions to meet virtually during COVID, it created an opportunity for older adults and people with disabilities to participate in state government. State boards became more inclusive, participation increased, and many boards and commissions accomplished more! Thanks to Senator Laird for bringing us into the twenty-first century.” Cheryl Brown, Chair, California Commission on Aging
Senate Bill 544 promotes public and disability access at state board and commission meetings by requiring all meetings of a regulatory state board to have a physical quorum, with an exception that allows members with disabilities to participate remotely and count toward quorum. Boards are required to have on-camera requirements for remote members and to allow for remote public comment. Advisory boards with no decision-making authority would be allowed to meet remotely, which enhances representation by people with disabilities, low-income individuals, and more. SB 544 sunsets in 2026 to allow for a review of the effectiveness of these reforms.
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Senator John Laird represents the 17th State Senate District, which includes all of Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, the majority of Monterey County, as well as parts of Santa Clara County. More information on Senator Laird can be found here.