DATE:
January 9, 2024
15
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Public discourse, dissent, and critical debate are vital components of a healthy democratic institution. Disruptive activity obstructs the right of the public to debate and exchange ideas in the public square, hear diverse points of view, and air and advocate for competing viewpoints. The "marketplace of ideas" allows people to form opinions and make decisions based on healthy debates and a level playing field to share different points of view.
Since Justice Holmes first invoked the "marketplace of ideas" in his landmark dissent in 1919, this theory of free expression has become a powerful idea, underpinning the majority of First Amendment jurisprudence. Central to the "marketplace of ideas" is the protection of a level playing field for different viewpoints to be both expressed by speakers and heard.
A well-functioning marketplace of ideas requires that people are safe to express their opinions and participate in a public dialogue, and that meetings be conducted in an orderly fashion to create equal opportunity for all members of the public to participate.
Disruptive conduct in the Board Chamber compromises the ability of all members of the public to engage with the Board through the public comment process. To minimize disruptions to the meeting, the following changes to the Rules of Procedure are proposed.
Today's action recommends that the Board approve amendments to the Rules of Procedure that protect the Board's ability to conduct business in an orderly manner while ensuring all have an equal opportunity to observe and participate.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SUPERVISOR TERRA LAWSON-REMER
1. Approve amendments to the Board of Supervisors Rules of Procedure and adopt a Resolution entitled: RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPER...
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