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Committee backs bill allowing remote meetings and electronic comment outside emergencies; public urges hybrid safeguards
Summary
The committee advanced A1858, which would let public bodies hold meetings, vote and take public comment by electronic means without a declared emergency. Supporters cited convenience and access; members of the press and the public urged codified protections including hybrid options, mandatory posting of join links and timely publication of recordings.
The Assembly State and Local Government Committee voted to advance A1858, a bill that would allow public bodies to conduct business, vote and accept public comment using electronic or other communications equipment without a state of emergency or disaster declaration.
John Burns of the New Jersey School Boards Association testified in favor, saying remote options provided useful flexibility and convenience that emerged during the COVID emergency. "It is so important that our meetings laws…
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