On Wednesday, representatives from Governor Newsom’s office
assured CSAC and other local government representatives that
Executive Order
N-29-20, which provides flexibility to state and local
agencies and boards to conduct their business through virtual
public meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, will not terminate
on June 15 when the state is scheduled to fully reopen. This
assurance came in response to a
coalition letter urging the Administration to allow enough
time for local agencies to adjust operations and safely
transition back to in-person public meetings.
While Governor Newsom intends to terminate COVID-19
executive orders at the earliest possible date at which
conditions warrant, his office stated that he recognizes the
importance of an orderly return to the ordinary conduct of public
meetings of state and local agencies and boards. To this end, the
Governor’s office will work to provide notice to affected
stakeholders in advance of rescission of this provision.
Until a further order is issued, all entities may continue to
rely on N-29-20.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, CSAC advocated for
this flexibility from Brown Act requirements in order to protect
public health and we appreciate the Governor’s recognition that
time is needed to prepare for the eventual repeal of
COVID-related Executive Orders.
