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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 5, 2023 01:45 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Allow City Councils to Meet Remotely |
| If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that accessibility increases public participation in government. Act 15 of 2020 allowed our local governments to meet remotely during the pandemic for the safety of elected officials and residents alike. Municipalities statewide witnessed an increase in public participation because residents could easily tune-in to their local government meetings. Moreover, local officials who may have otherwise been forced to miss meetings due to personal or business circumstances could simply dial-in or log-on to their meetings. City councils and the residents they serve have requested that we continue to give them the ability to meet remotely. For this reason, I plan to introduce legislation to eliminate provisions that require a majority of third-class city council members be physically present to establish a quorum. This will permit third-class city council members to meet remotely using telecommunications devices under any circumstance. Our democracy works best when everyone participates. This legislation will provide greater access to local government, thereby continuing to increase public participation. It will also give city leaders the flexibility they need in our dynamic society. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |