California Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill in September to require student government bodies in the California State University system to be more open.
The law, sponsored by Assemblywoman Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, will require student government bodies to post agendas of regular meetings at least 72 hours in advance, open their meetings to the public and allow audience members to address the body.
The bodies are only permitted to convene in closed sessions to discuss property negotiations, pending litigation and personnel issues. The actions taken in closed session and the outcome of any votes must be made public, however.
“With a clearer agenda out there, it gives the public more knowledge as well as a sense of disclosure and accountability,” said Dennis Hall, legislative director for Romero.