Record #: R2021-999   
Type: Resolution Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 9/14/2021 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Committees and Rules
Final action: 5/24/2023
Title: Call for Illinois State legislature and other legislative bodies to adopt permanent rules allowing for remote participation and comment at meetings of legislative committees subject to Open Meetings Act
Sponsors: Sadlowski Garza, Susan, Rodriguez Sanchez, Rossana , Vasquez, Jr., Andre, Smith, Michele, Reboyras, Ariel, Cardona, Jr., Felix , Hadden, Maria E. , Ervin, Jason C., Sawyer, Roderick T., O'Shea, Matthew J., Cappleman, James, Hairston, Leslie A., Austin, Carrie M., Mitts, Emma, Maldonado, Roberto, Tunney, Thomas, Scott, Jr. Michael, Nugent, Samantha , Silverstein, Debra L., Sposato, Nicholas, Reilly, Brendan, Moore, David H., Curtis, Derrick G., Rodriguez, Michael D., Villegas, Gilbert, Sigcho-Lopez, Byron, Coleman, Stephanie D. , Martin, Matthew J. , La Spata, Daniel , Napolitano, Anthony V., Gardiner, James M. , Burke, Edward M., Burnett, Jr., Walter, King, Sophia D., Tabares, Silvana, Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos, Brookins, Jr., Howard, Cardenas, George A., Thompson, Patrick D., Taliaferro, Chris, Waguespack, Scott, Lopez, Raymond A., Harris, Michelle A., Mitchell, Gregory I.
Attachments: 1. R2021-999.pdf
Related files: R2023-766

Type: Title:



Committee(s) Assignment:
Harris (8) Mitchell (7) Resolution
Call for Illinois State legislature and other legislative bodies to adopt permanent rules allowing for remote participation and comment at meetings of legislative committees subject to Open Meetings Act Committee on Committees and Rules
COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES AND RULES

RESOLUTION: Calling on the State Legislature to Expand Remote Participation for
Committee Meetings

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the need for remote, flexible meeting and conferencing tools in all our lives; and

WHEREAS, the business of government should not be halted by disaster, distance, or other obstacles; and

WHEREAS, temporary arrangements made during the COVID-19 pandemic proved the efficacy and functionality of legislative sessions held via remote conferencing technology; and

WHEREAS, digital meetings make government more observable, available, and accessible to the general public; and

WHEREAS, the ability to participate remotely in committee sessions has allowed elected officials in the City of Chicago to spend less time in transit and more in their districts, serving their constituents; and

WHEREAS, remote public comment proved popular and accessible to members of the public who would not ordinarily have been able to visit their legislative body and offer comment in person; and

WHEREAS, an increase in openness and accessibility is in keeping with the spirit and effect of the Open Meetings Act of the State of Illinois; now therefore:

BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the City Council of the City of Chicago, do hereby call upon and urge the State Legislature of the State of Illinois to amend the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120, to allow for remote and hybrid meetings of legislative committees, and for remote public comment at such; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the State Legislature and other legislative bodies in Illinois, in the event of such a change, to adopt permanent rules allowing for...

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