Juneau City Hall on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Juneau City Hall on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

City adopts new rules to combat Zoom bombing

No notice needed for in-person testimony.

This article has been updated to correct a reference to 24 hours of notice.

People who want to offer public comment on city matters remotely will now need to sign up ahead of time.

The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly on Monday approved a resolution to that effect via an 8-1 vote that tweaked the city’s rules of procedure. The change follows multiple instances of “Zoom bombing,” in which impromptu testimony offered via the video conferencing service included inappropriate remarks or pornographic material. Under the new rules of procedure, someone who wants to comment in person does not need to notify the city clerk prior to the meeting.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Assembly member Greg Smith was the lone vote against the resolution. Prior to voting against it, Smith explained he understood the reasoning behind the change and felt that some change was needed.

“I don’t think this is the best fit,” Smith said.

[Officials consider ‘Zoom bombing’ ordinance after disruptions]

While he was the only vote against it, Smith was not the only one to voice concerns.

“I will support this, but I have the same concerns that Mr. Smith does,” said Assembly member Maria Gladziszewski.

Assembly member Carole Triem expressed concern that the current system favors people who “know how to play the game” and requiring notice for remote testimony adds another layer of friction to offering public comment.

Assembly member Wade Bryson said he empathizes with wanting to increase public participation, but “sign up or show up” is not an unreasonable requirement — especially in light of additions outlining reasonable accommodations available upon request.

“It’s as easy as a phone call,” Bryson said.

• Contact Ben Hohenstatt at (907)308-4895 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 15

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

The Cable Innovator docks in Juneau on Wednesday, March 13, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Subsea communications cable repair ship makes port stop in Juneau between Southeast projects

Cable Innovator wraps up work in Sitka, now heads for Angoon following regional outage.

The Office of Personnel Management in Washington. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Judge orders Trump administration to rehire thousands of fired workers; at least some to get back pay

Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy and Interior departments affected by order.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Tuesday, March 11, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, March 10, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, March 9, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The Alaska State Capitol is seen in partial morning sun on May 10, 2024. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
New Alaska revenue forecast worsens state’s big projected budget deficits

The state of Alaska is still facing a significant budget deficit despite… Continue reading

Protesters gather for a protest against Medicaid cuts at the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Alaskans across the state rally to save Medicaid: their ‘lifeline’

Caregivers raise their voices to protect their jobs and the thousands of lives impacted if Medicaid is cut.

Most Read

You're browsing in private mode.
Please sign in or subscribe to continue reading articles in this mode.

Juneau Empire relies on subscription revenue to provide local content for our readers.

Subscribe

Already a subscriber? Please sign in