Res. No. 348
Resolution amending certain Rules and adding certain Rules of the Council in relation to limiting access of lobbyists.
By Council Member Reyna
Section 1. The Rules of the Council are hereby amended by adding rules 2.05 and 2.25 to read as follows:
2.05. Speakers' Office - No person, including but not limited to registered lobbyists, except Members of the Council and Council staff, shall be permitted access to the Speaker's Office, except in specific designated areas, except when such person is attending a scheduled meeting or a public event. Such designated areas shall be demarcated by the posting of signs or the placement of a gate.
2.25. Council Lounge - No person, including but not limited to registered lobbyists, except Members of the Council and Council staff, shall be permitted access to the Council Lounge, except that persons other than Council Members and Council staff may be granted admission for the purpose of attending meetings with Members or public events. Notice of such meetings with individual Council Members shall be provided to the Sergeant-at-Arms in advance by such Member to the extent practicable, indicating the name(s) of the attendees.
§2. Rule 7.60 of the Rules of the Council is hereby amended to read as follows:
7.60. Public Hearings - a. A committee chairperson may call public hearings on any matter referred to such committee, and at such public hearing shall maintain decorum. The chairperson shall have general control over the Chamber, lobbies, rooms and corridors in that part of the building assigned to the committee. The chairperson may allow public testimony on any item being considered by the committee at that hearing.
b. No person, including but not limited to registered lobbyists, except Members of the Council and Council staff, shall be permitted access to, or behind, the Council Member dais during a committee hearing.
§3. Rule 8.20 of the Rules of the Council is hereby amended to read as follows:
8.20. Admission to Floor of Council Chamber - No person, including but not limited to registered lobbyists, shall be admitted to the floor of the Council Chamber during the [sessions] stated and special meetings except:
a. The Mayor [or the], Deputy Mayors or employees of the Mayor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
b. The employees of the Council and the Clerk of the Council and his or her employees as are required by the Council to assist in the performance of its functions.
c. Heads of City departments and agencies, when their presence is requested or required by the Council.
d. [Reporters of public newspapers] Members of the press in the sections of the Chamber assigned for their use.
e. Such other persons as may [by resolution of the Council be authorized to be present, or may by regulations] be granted the courtesy of admission to the floor.
f. Former Council Members, including but not limited to those former Council Members who are registered lobbyists, in the area of the Council Chambers designated for VIPs.
§4. The Rules of the Council are hereby amended by adding Rule 8.21 to read as follows:
8.21. Admission to the Committee Room During Stated and Special Meetings - No person, including but not limited to registered lobbyists, shall be admitted to the Committee room during stated and special meetings except:
a. The Mayor or the, Deputy Mayors.
b. The employees of the Council and the Clerk of the Council and his or her employees as are required by the Council to assist in the performance of its functions.
c. Heads of City departments and agencies, when their presence is requested or required by the Council.
d. Members of the press.
e. Such other persons as may be granted the courtesy of admission to the floor.