Assembly Resolution No. 9
BY: M. of A. Heastie
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY
proposing to implement, pursuant to and in
compliance with the provisions of article 7 of the
Public Officers Law, a system of videoconferencing
to conduct meetings
WHEREAS, Section 103-a of the Public Officers Law, as created by
Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022, and extended by Chapter 58 of the Laws
of 2024 and any extension thereafter, permits the Senate and Assembly,
acting through a joint resolution, to provide for the use of
videoconferencing to conduct meetings, as defined by section 102 of the
Public Officers Law, provided that a minimum number of members are
present to fulfill the public body's quorum requirement in the same
physical location or locations where the public can attend; and
WHEREAS, The Senate and Assembly conducted the requisite public
hearing under article 7 of the Public Officers Law to receive public
comment on the use of videoconferencing in legislative proceedings; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED (if the &HOUSE concur), That the Senate and Assembly are
authorized and empowered to implement, pursuant to and in compliance
with the provisions of article 7 of the Public Officers Law, a system of
videoconferencing to conduct meetings, provided that the requisite
quorum for such body shall be in the same physical location or locations
where the public may attend and observe; and be it further
RESOLVED (if the &HOUSE concur), That legislators shall be permitted,
on a case by case basis, if unable to be physically present at any such
meeting due to extraordinary circumstances or any other significant or
unexpected factor or event which precludes the member's physical
attendance at such meeting, and with the approval of the appropriate
leader pursuant to the procedures established by each house, to
participate in meetings through the use of videoconferencing; and be it
further
RESOLVED (if the &HOUSE concur), That if no quorum is physically
present at any hearing conducted by either house, or any hearing
conducted jointly by the houses, videoconferencing may not be used; and
be it further
RESOLVED (if the &HOUSE concur), That this joint resolution shall take
effect immediately upon adoption by both the Senate and Assembly and
shall remain in effect until Part WW of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022
shall expire and be deemed repealed, unless otherwise rescinded.
