An informative public workshop was held Tuesday evening at the Amador County Administration Building regarding the topic “What Every Citizen Should Know about both the Brown Act and the Public Records Act.” The workshop was hosted by Roseanne Chamberlain, Executive Director of LAFCO, and was designed to increase the general publics understanding and to reiterate the importance of the two government codes. Before the presentation began, Chamberlain reminded the audience that the workshop was not intended as legal advice, yet her knowledge of both subjects is vast and she has previously held workshops on both. In 1952 the San Francisco Chronicle published a ten-part series entitled “Your Secret Government”, which brought to light the private dealings of city officials and government agencies on public matters. The League of Cities then drafted and initiated a bill that would force the entities to ensure all aspects of the decision making process are done in public and made accessible. This includes discussion, debate, and the acquisition of information. The Brown Act was signed into law in 1953 by Modesto Assemblyman Ralph M. Brown. The Brown Act applies to local agencies, legislative bodies, and meetings where discussion and action is taken. The Brown Act has seen modifications and additions throughout the years, such as the addition of a measure that mandates persons elected to legislative bodies as subject to the Brown Act, even prior to assuming office. The presentation also covered the rights of the public, public notice regarding meetings, the definition of meetings and the legislative body, and what is not permitted as discussion items in closed sessions. The presentation also focused on the Public Records Act, which basically ensures that Government documents are made public and accessible. Public Records are loosely defined as any paper or electronic document used to disclose of disseminate information on a public matter. The public has the right to request these documents orally, in writing, or by walking in. If a request is made, the agency must respond with the documents within 10 days of the request date, and they must provide the information in the requested format.
Thursday, 31 July 2008 01:27
Brown Act Workshop Aims to Increase Public Awareness
An informative public workshop was held Tuesday evening at the Amador County Administration Building regarding the topic “What Every Citizen Should Know about both the Brown Act and the Public Records Act.” The workshop was hosted by Roseanne Chamberlain, Executive Director of LAFCO, and was designed to increase the general publics understanding and to reiterate the importance of the two government codes. Before the presentation began, Chamberlain reminded the audience that the workshop was not intended as legal advice, yet her knowledge of both subjects is vast and she has previously held workshops on both. In 1952 the San Francisco Chronicle published a ten-part series entitled “Your Secret Government”, which brought to light the private dealings of city officials and government agencies on public matters. The League of Cities then drafted and initiated a bill that would force the entities to ensure all aspects of the decision making process are done in public and made accessible. This includes discussion, debate, and the acquisition of information. The Brown Act was signed into law in 1953 by Modesto Assemblyman Ralph M. Brown. The Brown Act applies to local agencies, legislative bodies, and meetings where discussion and action is taken. The Brown Act has seen modifications and additions throughout the years, such as the addition of a measure that mandates persons elected to legislative bodies as subject to the Brown Act, even prior to assuming office. The presentation also covered the rights of the public, public notice regarding meetings, the definition of meetings and the legislative body, and what is not permitted as discussion items in closed sessions. The presentation also focused on the Public Records Act, which basically ensures that Government documents are made public and accessible. Public Records are loosely defined as any paper or electronic document used to disclose of disseminate information on a public matter. The public has the right to request these documents orally, in writing, or by walking in. If a request is made, the agency must respond with the documents within 10 days of the request date, and they must provide the information in the requested format.
