TO: CITY OF CUPERTINO
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
FROM: ANTHONY, JASON, AND PAUL GONSALVES
SUBJECT: CONSIDER ADOPTING A POSITION ON SB 1100 (CORTESE) OPEN
MEETINGS ORDERLY CONDUCT
DATE: MARCH 24, 2022
Bill Information:
The official text of SB 1100 can be found here1:
Summary:
This bill would authorize the members of the legislative body conducting a meeting to remove an individual for willfully interrupting the meeting. The bill, except as provided, would require removal to be preceded by a warning by the presiding member of the legislative body, a request that the individual curtail their disruptive behavior or be subject to removal, and a reasonable opportunity to respond to the warning. The bill would similarly require a warning, a request that the individual curtail their disruptive behavior or be subject to removal, and a reasonable opportunity to respond to the warning before clearing a meeting room for willful interruptions by a group or groups. The bill would define "willfully interrupting" to mean intentionally engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that substantially impairs or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting.
Support:
Senator Cortese states, “This is for the safety of our public, and the safety of our public officials, across California, public officials and attendees continue to deal with disorderly conduct during meetings at such a high magnitude that critical business and the legislative process as a whole has become significantly impaired.” Assemblymember Low, a Principal Co-Author on SB 1100, stated: “It is critical for us to have transparency in the legislative process while also ensuring that we maintain the 1 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1100 safety of the public and our public officials who continue to support our community each and every day”.
Registered Supporters Include: California State Association of Counties (COSPONSOR), Urban Counties of California (CO- SPONSOR), California Special Districts Association, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Town of Los Gatos Opposition:
Since SB 1100 has not yet been set for hearing, an official list of opponents is not yet available.
Status:
SB 1100 was heard on March 21 and was double referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Legislative Platform:
This bill falls under Cupertino’s 2022 Legislative Platform in the Government Transparency Section, pages 5-6, Item #1, “The City supports government transparency, public access to required meetings and records, and legislation that facilitates these principles while still allowing for necessary municipal operations and services.” Recommended Action:
Adopt a support position on SB 1100 and authorize the Mayor to send letters to the state legislature.