Proclamation Authorizing Public Bodies to Meet Electronically

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PROCLAMATION

Whereas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) presents a serious public health threat; and
Whereas, as of 8:00 a.m. E.S.T. on March 13, 2020, the Governor declared a State of Emergency due to the public health threat of COVID-19; and
Whereas, in order to prevent the community transmission of COVID-19, the Governor’s State of Emergency declaration ordered all public meetings of executive branch public bodies governed by 29 Del. C. §§10001 et. seq. (including boards, commissions, task forces, and any other similar public body) may be conducted electronically, either by means of telephone conference call or video-conference call; and
Whereas, in the interests of protecting the citizens of this state from the public health threat caused by COVID-19, the Governor is authorized to take such action as the Governor reasonably believes necessary to help maintain life, health, property or public peace in this state, including issuing a proclamation to suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conducting state business where strict compliance with the statute may hinder necessary action in coping with the public health threat caused by COVID-19.

Now, Therefore, We, John Carney, Governor,
and Bethany Hall-Long, Lieutenant Governor,
do hereby declare that the following precautionary
measures shall be implemented:

1. All meetings of public bodies governed by 29 Del. C. §§10001 et. seq., until further notice, may be conducted electronically, either by means of telephone conference call or video-conference call.
2. The technology used must permit members of the public body to hear the comments of and speak to all those participating, and members of the public to hear the comments of and speak to such members of the public body contemporaneously. Public participants must also be permitted to electronically access presentation materials and submit questions or comments.
3. During any public meeting conducted by electronic means, each member of the public body will identify him or herself before speaking so that members of the public are able to hear the comments of the members of the public body.
4. Notice requirements of public meetings will continue as required by law and will include the electronic information necessary for participation.
5. Meetings already noticed shall be updated as soon as practicable with the information necessary for members and the public to participate electronically.
6. All other rules and procedures applicable to public meetings shall be followed.

John C. Carney
Governor

Bethany A. Hall-Long
Lieutenant Governor

17-3292
Number

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