Public Comment

Public Participation Procedures

All members of the public have a right to offer comment at the Commission’s public meeting. The Chair will indicate when a portion of the meeting is open for public comment. Any member of the public wishing to comment during public comment periods must do the following:

• If joining in person. Complete a public comment request card and submit to Commission staff. When it is time for public comment, staff will call your name and you will be invited to the podium to speak. Members of the public should be prepared to complete their comments within three (3) minutes or less, unless a different time allotment is needed and announced by the Chair.
• If joining by call-in, press *9 on the phone. Pressing *9 will notify the meeting host that you wish to comment. You will be placed in line to comment in the order in which requests are received by the host. When it is your turn to comment, the meeting host will unmute your line and announce the last three digits of your telephone number. The Chair reserves the right to limit the time for comment. Members of the public should be prepared to complete their comments within three (3) minutes or less time if a different time allotment is needed and announced by the Chair.
• If joining by computer, press the raise hand icon on the control bar. Pressing the raise hand will notify the meeting host that you wish to comment. You will be placed in line to comment in the order in which requests are received by the host. When it is your turn to comment, the meeting host will unmute your line, announce your name, and ask if you’d like your video on. The Chair reserves the right to limit the time for comment. Members of the public should be prepared to complete their comments within three (3) minutes or less time if a different time allotment is needed and announced by the Chair.

Email Us

You can also submit public comment to the Commission by emailing us at publiccomment@mhsoac.ca.gov. Emailed public comments submitted at least 72 hours prior to the start of the Commission meeting will be shared with Commissioners at the upcoming meeting. Public comments submitted less than 72 hours prior to the start of the Commission meeting will be shared with Commissioners at a future meeting. Please note that public comments submitted to this email address will not receive a written response from the Commission.

If you wish your public comments to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your email, and the comment will be shared without an email/name attached. Emailing public comments is not intended to replace the public comment period held during each Commission meeting and in no way precludes a person from also providing public comments during the Commission meetings.

Accommodations for Public Participation

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals who, because of a disability need special assistance to participate in any Commission meeting or activities, may request assistance by calling (916) 500-0577 or by emailing mhsoac@mhsoac.ca.gov. Requests should be made one (1) week in advance, whenever possible.

In accordance with California Government Code § 11125.7(c)(1), members of the public who utilize a translator or other translating technology will be given at least twice the allotted time to speak during a Public Comment period.