BILL NUMBER:  AB 194
  VETOED	DATE: 09/28/2014




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 194 without my signature.

This bill amends the Ralph M. Brown Act to allow individuals who
attend local agency meetings to speak before and during an agenda
item, a common practice. The bill restates that local agencies shall
not prohibit public criticism at meetings. Finally, the bill
prescribes how time should be allotted to each speaker.

California has robust policies and longstanding laws in place that
promote an open and transparent government and guarantee public
decision making. This bill adds certain procedures to the Brown Act,
which at best will elongate but in no way enhance the quality of
debate at the local level.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown Jr.