By a narrow margin on May 12, the California Coastal Commission voted 6-5 to support legislation that bars commissioners from having private meetings — called ex parte communications — with those who have proceedings before the state agency’s 12-member appointed board. As written, the bill — SB 1190, introduced in February by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson — would also require commissioners to fully disclose any such communications and abstain from voting on related proceedings. According to Coastal Commission Legislative Director Sarah Christie, “[The bill] would constitute a significant change in the way that the commission does its business.” SB 1190 will likely reach the Senate floor for a vote this month.
Editor’s Note: This story was changed to correct the name of the speaker quoted.