Dade County bars external electronic devices at public meetings, cites cybersecurity and content control

The Dade County Board of Commissioners adopted an update to its public-participation policy April 2 that prohibits external electronic devices and storage media (including USB drives and external hard drives) from being connected to county computers or audio-visual systems during public hearings and regular meetings.

Chair explained the change as a protection for county information systems and to prevent unreviewed material from being broadcast live. "No external electronic devices or electronic storage media including, but not limited to USB drives, external hard drives, or other digital storage devices may be connected to or used with county computers or audio visual systems during the hearing," the chair said while reading the proposed policy language.

Commissioner Bradford and others supported allowing presenters to bring printed materials for distribution instead, noting that printed handouts are easier for commissioners to review and reduce the security risk. Commissioner 3 said, "You never know... I would doubt anybody in Dade County would bring anything, but... if they want to bring a TV at another time or to the office, great. But these meetings are not for all that." The board adopted the resolution as part of the consent agenda.

The change applies to regular meetings, specially called meetings and public hearings and is effective immediately upon adoption. The county clerk will publish the revised participation guidelines and staff will communicate the rule to those planning presentations.