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The L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to continue holding their meetings virtually.
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Because of a California law passed last year, legislative bodies can put a freeze on state requirements that meetings be open for the public to attend and participate in person.
That’s under certain circumstances though: The board has to decide there’s a continuing state of emergency that impacts the ability of the members to safely meet in person. But, L.A. County has loosened COVID restrictions for most indoor settings, including county courtrooms.
First Amendment Coalition Executive Director David Snyder said his group would like to see legislative bodies continue to offer virtual participation, which has made access more convenient for some.
“However, it is simultaneously important for the government officials themselves to meet in a physical place and to allow the public to physically come in,” Snyder added.
Snyder called Tuesday’s move by supervisors “disappointing,” noting that the ability to interact in-person and in real time with elected officials is fundamental to democracy.
The supervisors voted without discussion and the county’s Executive Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Board of Supervisors’ jurisdiction includes more than 10 million residents and a $28 billion budget.
