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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 respond to current conditions," he said, noting the need for future updates to meetings law.
Charlie Cradiville, who identified himself as a member of the press and an activist, urged the committee to hold the bill pending amendments to protect public access. He recommended requiring hybrid meetings, including the meeting link and dial‑in information in meeting notices and agendas, mandating recordings and publishing them within a day, and clarifying which bodies the bill covers. "If you're doing remote meetings, you should mandate that they be recorded and those recordings be shared," he told the committee.
Why it matters: The bill removes the emergency‑only restriction currently on remote voting and public comment, potentially expanding remote access to government proceedings across many local and state bodies. Testimony highlighted a tradeoff: remote options increase access for many but can exclude people without reliable technology unless hybrid and accessibility safeguards are required.
Committee action: After discussion and requests for further amendments from some members, the committee voted to release the bill as amended. The record shows at least one No vote from a member who said he wanted to review some amendments; the bill was nonetheless released from committee for further consideration.
What’s next: Sponsor and stakeholders signaled intent to continue negotiations to add best practices and clarity about covered bodies and notice/recording requirements.
