Half Moon Bay City Council
March 3, 2026

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026
7:00 PM
ADCOCK COMMUNITY CENTER Debbie Ruddock , Mayor
535 KELLY AVENUE Deborah Penrose, Vice Mayor
HALF MOON BAY, CA 94019 Robert Brownstone, Councilmember Patric Jonsson, Councilmember
Paul Nagengast, Councilmember
This agenda contains a brief description of each item to be considered. Those wishing to address the City Council on any matter not listed on the agenda, but within the jurisdiction of the City Council to resolve, may come forward to the podium during the Public Forum portion of the agenda and will have a maximum of three minutes to discuss their item. Comments on Consent Calendar items should be made during the Public Forum section of the agenda. Those wishing to speak on a Business or Public Hearing matter will be called forward at the appropriate time during that item’s consideration.

Please Note: Anyone wishing to present materials to the City Council, please submit seven copies to the City Clerk.

Copies of written documentation relating to each item of business on the agenda are on file in the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall where they are available for public inspection. If requested, the agenda shall be available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132.) Information may be obtained by calling 650-726-8271.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, special assistance for participation in this meeting can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 650-726-8271. A 48-hour notification will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
http://halfmoonbay.gov
1 HYBRID MEETING PARTICIPATION PROTOCOLS
This meeting will be held in-person and via Zoom for public participation. Remote participation is provided as a supplemental way to provide public comment, but this method does not always work. The public is encouraged to attend in person to ensure full participation. Public comments may be made in-person or remotely via Zoom, and interpretation will be available. All Councilmembers and staff will participate in person. During any public comment portions, attendees may use the “raise your hand” feature and will be called upon and unmuted when it is their turn to speak. The meeting will also be streamed on Channel 27, on pacificcoast.tv, and on the City website at https://www.halfmoonbay.gov/315/City-Council-Agendas. Please click to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87674804231 or join by phone at 669-900-9128, using Webinar ID 876-7480-4231. If joining by phone, use *9 to raise your hand, *6 to mute and unmute.

1. ROLL CALL / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

3. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

3.A STONE PINE COVE OCCUPANCY COUNTY UPDATE

4. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

5. REPORT OUT FROM RECENT CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS

6. CITY MANAGER UPDATES TO COUNCIL

7. PUBLIC FORUM

8. CONSENT CALENDAR

8.A WAIVE READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

8.B TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025 Staff Recommendation: By motion, accept the Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2025.

STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT

8.C FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED ON DECEMBER 31, 2025 Staff Recommendation: Accept the Financial Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
2 STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT

8.D AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER REMAINING STONE PINE COVE GRANT FUNDS TO SAN

MATEO COUNTY
Staff Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to transfer $383,121 in remaining State grant funds associated with the Stone Pine Cove Affordable Farmworker Housing Project to the County of San Mateo.

STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT

8.E APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 17, 2026 SPECIAL MEETING

ATTACHMENT

8.F APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 17, 2026 REGULAR MEETING

ATTACHMENT

9. ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.

10. RESOLUTIONS AND STAFF REPORTS

10.A MID-YEAR OPERATING BUDGET REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET
Staff Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending the FY 2025-26 Operating and Capital Budget.

STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
ATTACHMENT 3
ATTACHMENT 4

10.B COMMUNITY SERVICES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM MIDYEAR UPDATE 3 Staff Recommendation: Receive a mid-year update on the FY 2025-26 Community Services Financial Assistance (CSFA) grant program and provide direction on the future of the program.

STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2

10.C HOMELESS SERVICES UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO

ADDRESS ENCAMPMENTS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
Staff Recommendation: Receive an update on current homeless services and provide direction to staff on consideration of an ordinance to address encampments on public property.

STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT

10.D DISCUSSION REGARDING SENATE BILL (SB) 707 AND AMENDMENTS TO BROWN

ACT MEETING REQUIREMENTS
Staff Recommendation: Receive a report regarding SB 707, recently signed into law, which enacts major amendments to the Ralph M. Brown Act, effective January 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026.

STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT

12. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE UPDATES

13. FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION / POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS

14. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS

15. ADJOURNMENTMENT
4

BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY

AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: March 3, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Kenneth Stiles, Interim Administrative Services Director TITLE: TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025 ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:

By motion, accept the Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2025.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact with the acceptance of this report.

STRATEGIC ELEMENT:

This recommendation supports the Fiscal Sustainability and Inclusive Governance Elements of the Strategic Plan.

BACKGROUND:

In accordance with Government Code Section 53600 et seq., the City’s Treasurer is to provide the City Council with a report on investments on a quarterly basis. As shown in the Treasurer’s Report (Attachment 1), the City’s investments are in external investment pools listed at cost, as well as its fair value, not amortized cost, in compliance with Governmental Accounting Standard. The City’s investment practices strictly follow Government Code Section 53600 et seq., the City’s investment policy, and a prudent person’s rule.

DISCUSSION:

The City’s cash and investment portfolio, at fair market value, as of December 31, 2025, is $56.8 million of which $40.4 million is placed with the San Mateo County Treasurer’s Investment Pool and $8.8 million is placed with the State Controller’s Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), and $7.6 million in operating accounts with Wells Fargo Bank. The average weighted yield for the City’s cash and investments is 3.39 % for the quarter.

ATTACHMENT:

Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2025 5 City
Treasury
Fiscal
Agents
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Quarterly
Yield
Quarterly
Interest
Earnings
FYTD
Interest
Earnings
Petty Cash - 617 617 617 - -
Wells Fargo Bank:

Checking 7,537,523 - 7,537,523 7,537,523 - -
Payroll 12,876 - 12,876 12,876 - -
California State Treasurer:

LAIF - General Fund 8,772,179 - 8,772,179 8,791,316 4.09% 94,790 94,790 San Mateo County Treasurer
SMC Pool - General Fund 39,978,069 - 39,978,069 40,466,201 3.87% 364,720 364,720 TOTAL CASH AND INVESTMENTS 56,301,264 - 56,301,264 56,808,533 459,510 459,510

2. Investment maturities:

Investments at December 31, 2025 mature as follows:

City
Treasury
Fiscal
Agents
Total
Available immediately 56,301,264 - 56,301,264
Maturities less than one year - - -
Maturities of one to five years - - -
Greater than five years - - -
Total - 56,301,264 56,301,264

3. Investments Sectors, as a percentage of total portfolio and also with investment performance comparisons:

Demand Deposits and Money
Market 13.41% Date Total Yield Interest
Local Agency Investment Fund 15.58% 12/31/2023 53,700,238 3.09% 388,012 San Mateo Co. Investment Pool 71.01% 12/30/2024 52,244,403 3.68% 460,473 Fiscal Agent 0 12/31/2025 56,808,533 3.39% 459,510
100.00%
Date
Date
City of Half Moon Bay
Treasurer's Report
December 31, 2025
Investment performance comparisons
*Fair Value (GASB 31) includes investment returns which are not yet realized and at amortized costs. Information is obtained from individual institutions' portfolio statements.

1. Cash and investments were comprised of the following instruments as of December 31, 2025, shown with the carrying amount, fair value, and corresponding yields on investment and interest earnings:

Investment sectors as a % of total portfolio
Interim Administrative Services Director
City Manager
I certify that this reports all Government Agency pooled investments and is in conformity with the investment policy of the City of Half Moon Bay as stated in resolution number C-2019-107 dated December 17th, 2019. A copy of this Resolution is available at the office of the City Clerk and on the cities website http://www.hmbcity.com. The Investment Program provides sufficient cash flow liquidity to meet the estimated expenditures of the next six months, as required by Code Section 53646.

Investment maturities may not exceed five years with the exception of investments as specified in bond debt covenants. Investment yield is ranked after safety and liquidity in making investment decisions.

The City limits market risk by limiting the types and maturities of its investments and by not borrowing against those investments. 







 














6 GENERAL FUND 19,034,033.98

RESTRICTED FUNDS
STORM DRAIN OPERATING FUND 273,179.56
TRAFFIC MITIGATION FUND 4,778,171.67
LIBRARY 17,876.41
MAIN STREET BRIDGE 59,859.35
GAS TAX 2,976,659.34
STREET AND ROAD FUND 1,993,331.66
MEASURE A FUND 2,501,199.31
PARK FACILITY DEVELOPMENT 441,526.35
AFFORDABLE HOUSING 5,166,814.86
PUBLIC FACILITIES 1,404,565.31
POLICE SPECIAL REVENUE 1,315,173.28
JOB-BOND PROCEED FD 0.96
GENERAL PLAN FEE SPECIAL REVENUE 25,266.51
MEASURE W FUND 1,161,135.63
LOT ACQUISITION/DEVELOPMENT 1,419,743.42
CZI GRANTS 27,834.44
OCC GRANT (161,539.88)
JOB - DEBT SERVICE FD 6,893.89
GEN FD CAPITAL PROJECTS 3,388,006.09
DRAINAGE FUND 1,271,028.38
LIBRARY CAPITAL 520,200.95
CARTER PARK CAPITAL 2,008.77

GENERAL LONG TERM DEBT -
SEWER FUNDS 4,038,711.73
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT 140,317.56
FURN/FIXT & EQUIP FUND 857,060.28
RISK MANAGEMENT 3,573,349.03
RETIREMENT STABILIZATION 68,855.38
TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS 37,267,230.24
GENERAL LEDGER (BOOK) TOTAL 56,301,264.22
BANK BALANCES ON 12/31/2025
WELLS FARGO GENERAL CHECKING 7,744,659.09
WELLS FARGO PAYROLL CHECKING 12,875.85
LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF) 8,772,179.20
SAN MATEO COUNTY INVESTMENT POOL 39,978,069.12
Add: PETTY CASH ACCOUNTS 617.46

RECONCILING ITEMS -
Less: OUTSTANDING CHECKS (222,913.50)
Plus: DEPOSITS IN TRANSIT 15,777.00
Plus: VOID CHECKS -
BANK RECONCILIATION TOTAL 56,301,264.22

CITY OF HALF MOON BAY

CASH AND INVESTMENTS REPORT
FOR QUARTER ENDING 12/31/2025








 








7

BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY

AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: March 3, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Kenneth Stiles, Interim Administrative Services Director TITLE: FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED ON DECEMBER 31, 2025 ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:

Accept the Financial Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact with the acceptance of this item.

STRATEGIC ELEMENT:

This recommendation supports the Fiscal Sustainability and Inclusive Governance Elements of the Strategic Plan.

BACKGROUND:

One of the City Council's Strategic Elements is planning for and implementing long-term financial stability. A key component of this goal is preparing a quarterly financial report that provides readers with a summary of the City’s current financial conditions as they relate to the annual operating budget to ensure accountability and transparency in managing public funds.

DISCUSSION:

Financial Report
As of December 31, 2025, General Fund revenues total $10.6 million, representing 45% of the approved Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. General Fund expenditures total $5.3 million, or 21% of budget.

Revenue performance is trending favorably, largely driven by strength in Transient Occupancy Tax receipts. Staff will reassess revenue projections and bring forward any recommended adjustments as part of the Mid-Year Review. Expenditures remain in line with budget expectations at this stage of the fiscal year.

With $3.5 million in unassigned fund balance and $8.8 million in reserves, staff does not have significant concerns regarding fiscal stability in the current fiscal year. However, careful planning 8

will be essential during the FY 2026-27 budget process. As ongoing expenditures continue to exceed recurring revenues, the City must remain focused on structural adjustments to either increase revenues and/or reduce expenditures.

Financial Outlook
Since Fiscal Year 2023-24, the City has been addressing an ongoing structural deficit driven by rising costs to maintain existing service levels along with volatility in key revenue sources. In response, the City has implemented several corrective actions, including reducing operating expenditures, evaluating capital projects and programs, completing a comprehensive cost allocation and fee study, and securing voter approval of a 0.50% sales tax increase (Measure R), effective April 1, 2025.

Recent financial performance reflects incremental improvement. Transient Occupancy Tax revenues are performing better than expected and have remained strong following favorable results at the close of Fiscal Year 2024-25. The implementation of Measure R and updated user fees also represent meaningful progress toward improving the City’s revenue position.

The projected Fiscal Year 2025-26 deficit is currently lower than previously anticipated, due in part to one-time revenues and operational adjustments. While these factors improve the nearterm outlook, they do not fully address the City’s ongoing structural imbalance, which is still expected to carry forward into the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget cycle.

Overall, the City’s financial condition is improving but remains constrained. Continued focus on long-term structural alignment through revenue enhancements and thoughtful expenditure evaluations will be necessary to achieve sustained fiscal balance.

ATTACHMENT:

Financial Report for the quarter ended on December 31, 2025 9 CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
Quarterly Financial Report
December 31, 2025
Prepared By:

Administrative Services Department
10 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
General Fund
Special Revenue Funds
Capital Project Funds
Sewer Funds
Revenue & Expenditure Summary
Revenues to Budget Expenditures to Budget
Funds Actual % of Budget Actual % of Budget
General Fund 10,673,131 45% 5,343,020 24%
Special Revenue Funds 1,891,641 11% 907,054 5%
Capital Project Funds 528,423 8% 194,875 2%
Sewer Funds 3,987,387 44% 3,442,762 42%
Internal Service Funds 55,795 4% 897,546 45%
Pension Stabilization Fund 3,810 0% 1,491,217 100%
TOTAL FOR ALL FUNDS 17,140,187 29% 12,276,475 20.6%
Revenues Expenditures
11 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Transient Occupancy Tax
Property Taxes
Sales & Use Tax
Franchise Tax
Business License Tax
Charges for Services
Interest and Investment
Other Revenues
General Fund Revenue Summary
Revenues to Budget
Department Budget Actual % of
Budget
Prior Year
Actual
Prior Year
% of Actuals
Transient Occupancy Tax 8,699,852 4,104,731 47% 3,466,213 36% Property Taxes 3,711,552 2,462,783 66% 1,784,055 47%
Sales & Use Tax 4,972,232 1,806,749 36% 1,064,694 29%
Franchise Tax 1,008,159 195,163 19% 192,292 19%
Business License Tax 362,543 36,611 10% 337,165 83%
Charges for Services 2,213,282 977,764 44% 1,184,311 49% Interest and Investment 518,797 115,535 22% 120,443 17% Other Revenues 1,769,617 973,795 55% 347,217 26%
Transfers in 602,454 - 0% - 0%
TOTAL 23,858,488 10,673,131 45% 8,496,389 36%
12 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Administrative Services
City Attorney
City Clerk / Communications
City Council
City Managers Office
Community Development
Public Safety
Public Works
General Fund Expenditure Summary
Expenditures to Budget
Department Budget Actual % of Budget Prior Year
Actual
Prior Year
% of Actuals
Administrative Services 1,572,528 596,181 38% 679,750 55% City Attorney 1,164,000 361,806 31% 429,131 33%
City Clerk / Communications 1,050,481 271,669 26% 428,964 49% City Council 228,642 64,259 28% 104,810 49%
City Managers Office 2,985,055 1,122,007 38% 1,648,415 58% Community Development 2,300,647 801,760 35% 951,917 46% Public Safety 7,631,997 14,468 0% 431,921 6%
Public Works 4,365,229 1,625,044 37% 1,550,763 47%
Non Departmental / Debt Service 918,596 485,825 53% 301,884 51% Transfers 3,162,433 - 0% - 0%
TOTAL 25,379,607 5,343,020 21% 6,527,555 27%
13 GENERAL FUND ANALYSIS:

The General Fund is the primary operating fund of the City and is used to account for most operating activities. Table 1 provides year-to-date data through the second quarter for the current and prior fiscal years.

In the second quarter, the City generated $10.6 million in revenues fiscal year-to-date, representing an increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is primarily attributable to stronger Transient Occupancy Tax performance and the addition of Measure R sales tax revenues.

General Fund expenditures total $5.3 million, representing 21% of the adopted budget. Overall, expenditures are tracking as anticipated at this point in the fiscal year.

Revised
Budget
Actuals as of
12/31/2025
% of
Budget
Final
Actuals
Actuals as of
12/31/2024
% of
Actuals
Revenues
Transient Occupancy Tax 8,699,852 4,104,731 47% 9,616,592 3,466,213 36% Property Taxes 3,711,552 2,462,783 66% 3,757,360 1,784,055 47% Sales & Use Tax 4,972,232 1,806,749 36% 3,634,164 1,064,694 29% Franchise Tax 1,008,159 195,163 19% 1,032,642 192,292 19% Business License Tax 362,543 36,611 10% 408,035 337,165 83% Charges for Services 2,213,282 977,764 44% 2,421,671 1,184,311 49% Interest and Investment 518,797 115,535 22% 706,358 120,443 17% Other Revenues 1,769,617 973,795 55% 1,340,419 347,217 26% Transfers in 602,454 - 0% 587,760 - 0%
Total Revenues 23,858,488 10,673,131 45% 23,505,000 8,496,389 36% Expenditures
Administrative Services 1,572,528 596,181 38% 1,243,492 679,750 55% City Attorney 1,164,000 361,806 31% 1,317,015 429,131 33% City Clerk / Communications 1,050,481 271,669 26% 869,870 428,964 49% City Council 228,642 64,259 28% 214,195 104,810 49%
City Managers Office 2,985,055 1,122,007 38% 2,822,865 1,648,415 58% Community Development 2,300,647 801,760 35% 2,059,998 951,917 46% Public Safety 7,631,997 14,468 0% 7,207,366 431,921 6%
Public Works 4,365,229 1,625,044 37% 3,272,661 1,550,763 47% Non Departmental / Debt Service 918,596 485,825 53% 590,723 301,884 51% Operating Transfers 2,157,433 - 0% 2,259,619 - 0%
Capital Transfers 1,005,000 - 0% 2,112,704 - 0%
Total Expenditures 25,379,607 5,343,020 21% 23,970,509 6,527,555 27% Table 1: Second Quarter Budget to Actual Comparison
FY 2025-26 FY 2024-25
14 Revenues
Table 2 below shows a year-to-date summary of actual revenues through the second quarter for the current fiscal year and the prior year.
• Transient Occupancy Tax: The City collected $4.1 million through the second quarter, representing an increase of $638 thousand compared to the prior year. This revenue is at 47% of the adopted budget, up from 36% at the same point last year. Based on the continued gains in this revenue stream since the final quarter of the prior fiscal year, the City anticipates this revenue will exceed the adopted budget. • Property Taxes: Property tax revenues total $2.4 million, or 66% of budget, compared to 47% at the same point last year. Property tax receipts are typically concentrated in December and April; however, current performance is elevated due to a one-time late payment of approximately $714 thousand from the State related to prior-year Vehicle License Fee revenues. The City anticipates ending the fiscal year above the adopted budget.
• Sales & Use Taxes: Sales tax revenues total $1.8 million, or 36% of budget, through the second quarter. Year-over-year comparisons are limited due to the implementation of Measure R, which changed the revenue baseline. Based on current receipts and review with the City’s consultant, both Bradley Burns allocations and Measure R revenues are tracking as anticipated and remain consistent with budget assumptions, with the potential for slight overperformance if current trends continue.

Revised
Budget
Actuals as of
12/31/2025
% of
Budget
Actuals as of
12/31/2024
% of
Actuals
Revenues
Transient Occupancy Tax 8,699,852 4,104,731 47% 3,466,213 36% Property Taxes 3,711,552 2,462,783 66% 1,784,055 47%
Sales & Use Tax 4,972,232 1,806,749 36% 1,064,694 29%
Franchise Tax 1,008,159 195,163 19% 192,292 19%
Business License Tax 362,543 36,611 10% 337,165 83%
Charges for Services 2,213,282 977,764 44% 1,184,311 49% Interest and Investment 518,797 115,535 22% 120,443 17% Other Revenues 1,769,617 973,795 55% 347,217 26%
Transfers in 602,454 - 0% - 0%
Total Revenues 23,858,488 10,673,131 45% 8,496,389 36%
Table 2: Second Quarter Revenues
FY 2025-26 FY 2024-25
15 Expenditures
Table 3 below shows a summary of second quarter budget-to-actual revenues through the second quarter for the current fiscal year and the prior year.

General fund expenditures through the second quarter total $5.3 million or 21% of budget. Expenditures are tracking as anticipated.

Budget Adjustments
Table 4 provides a summary of second-quarter Council actions and related budget adjustments not captured in the preceding tables.

Revised
Budget
Actuals as of
12/31/2025
% of
Budget
Actuals as of
12/31/2024
% of
Actuals
Expenditures
Administrative Services 1,572,528 596,181 38% 679,750 55% City Attorney 1,164,000 361,806 31% 429,131 33%
City Clerk / Communication 1,050,481 271,669 26% 428,964 49% City Council 228,642 64,259 28% 104,810 49%
City Managers Office 2,985,055 1,122,007 38% 1,648,415 58% Community Development 2,300,647 801,760 35% 951,917 46% Public Safety 7,631,997 14,468 0% 431,921 6%
Public Works 4,365,229 1,625,044 37% 1,550,763 47%
Non Departmental / Debt Se 918,596 485,825 53% 301,884 51% Operating Transfers 2,157,433 - 0% - 0%
Capital Transfers 1,005,000 - 0% - 0%
Total Expenditures 25,379,607 5,343,020 21% 6,527,555 27% FY 2025-26 FY 2024-25
Table 3: Second Quarter Expenditures
Item Major Funding
Source
Total Fiscal
Impact GF Impact
No budget adjustments during this quarter
Total $ - - $
Table 4: Budget Adjustments
16 Conclusion
Table 5 below shows an updated summary of general fund balances for the fiscal year.

The adopted budget estimated the fund balance on June 30, 2026, to be $12.3 million, of which $8.8 million is reserves and $3.5 million as unassigned. Staff recommends leaving the unassigned funds unallocated until the mid-year review process, when more detailed information will be available.

Given that reserves are currently funded at only 36%, which is below the policy target of 50%, staff will recommend to the Council that any unassigned funds be returned to the reserves during the mid-year review.

FY 2025-26
Budget
Est. Beginning Fund Balance 13,902,420
Revenues 23,858,488
Expenditures (25,379,607)
Net Change to Fund Balance (1,521,119)
Ending Fund Balance 12,381,301
General Fund Reserve (7,303,382)
Economic Uncertainty (1,530,399)
Unassigned 3,547,520
Table 5: General Fund Balance Summary
17

BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY

AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: March 3, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Kenneth Stiles, Interim Administrative Services Director TITLE: AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER REMAINING STONE PINE COVE GRANT FUNDS

TO SAN MATEO COUNTY
______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to transfer $383,121 in remaining State grant funds associated with the Stone Pine Cove Affordable Farmworker Housing Project to the County of San Mateo.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The City received $1.25 million in grant funding, which was deposited into the Affordable Housing Fund for the Stone Pine Cove project. After project expenditures, $383,121 remains.

This action authorizes transfer of the remaining funds to San Mateo County. The Affordable Housing Fund balance will decrease accordingly. There is no impact to the General Fund.

STRATEGIC ELEMENT:

This action supports the Healthy Communities and Public Safety and Inclusive Governance elements of the Strategic Plan.

BACKGROUND:

The Stone Pine Cove affordable housing project was initiated following the January 2023 mass shooting that displaced multiple farmworker households and highlighted the urgent need for safe, affordable housing on the Coastside. In the FY 2023-24 State Budget, the City was awarded $1.25 million for the project, secured by Assemblymember Marc Berman. These funds were set aside in the Affordable Housing fund for future contribution to the project, once entitled.

The City and County partnered as co-applicants for the Coastal Development Permit. The County secured funding under the Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Program to support acquisition of manufactured homes for very low-income farmworker households. The County also received $1.25 million in State Funds, secured by Assemblymember Berman, as well as other philanthropic funding towards the project.
18

In December 2023, the City issued an Emergency Coastal Development Permit for development of the 47-unit manufactured home neighborhood on a 6.87-acre portion of 880 Stone Pine Road. The project includes 46 affordable units and one manager’s unit, along with infrastructure, open space, and neighborhood improvements. As required, a follow up permit was completed for the project.

In June 2024, the Council adopted a resolution allocating the $1.25 million in State funds to the project, for certain project expenditures related to construction and other costs. Although the County was the lead agency, the City’s responsibilities during the project included issuance of emergency and follow-up Coastal Development Permits, preparation and adoption of CEQA documentation, biological monitoring and environmental compliance, approval and recordation of the Final Parcel Map, and conveyance of the land for the project to the County.

In early 2025, following recordation of the Final Parcel Map, the City completed the sale of the land to the County for $1,234,000, with proceeds credited toward the outstanding leaseleaseback obligation. The County is now the long-term owner and operator of Stone Pine Cove.

DISCUSSION:

The $1.25 million in grant funds was initially provided to the City because the City owned the property and was responsible for initiating the permitting, environmental review, and subdivision necessary to advance the Stone Pine Cove project. At that stage, it was appropriate for the City to receive and administer the funds.

With completion of the Final Parcel Map and conveyance of Parcel 1 to San Mateo County, the County is now the fee owner and the entity responsible for closeout and long-term operation of the housing project.

After accounting for all City expenditures, $383,121 remains in restricted grant funds within the Affordable Housing Fund. Transferring the remaining funds to the County aligns the funding with current project ownership and ensures the grant is fully utilized for its intended housing purpose.

This action formally concludes the City’s administrative role in the grant.

ATTACHMENT:

Resolution
19 RESOLUTION NO. C-2026-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF $383,121 IN REMAINING STONE PINE COVE GRANT FUNDS TO THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO.

WHEREAS, the City of Half Moon Bay received $1,250,000 in State grant funding in connection with the Stone Pine Cove Affordable Farmworker Housing Project; and WHEREAS, such funds were deposited into the City’s Affordable Housing Fund and restricted for use on the Stone Pine Cove project; and
WHEREAS, the City utilized a portion of the grant funds to complete its responsibilities related to permitting, environmental review, biological monitoring, subdivision of the property, and conveyance of the underlying land to the County of San Mateo; and WHEREAS, the County of San Mateo is now the long-term owner and operator of the Stone Pine Cove neighborhood and is responsible for ongoing compliance; and WHEREAS, after accounting for all City expenditures, $383,121 in restricted grant funds remains available within the Affordable Housing Fund; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that transferring the remaining grant funds to the County of San Mateo aligns the funding with current project ownership and ensures the full grant amount is utilized for its intended housing purpose.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Half Moon Bay hereby authorizes:

1. The transfer of $383,121 in remaining Stone Pine Cove grant funds from the Affordable Housing Fund to the County of San Mateo.

2. The City Manager, or designee, to take all actions necessary to effectuate the transfer consistent with this Resolution.
***************************************************************** I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted on the 3rd day of March 2026, by the City Council of Half Moon Bay by the following vote:

AYES, Councilmembers:

NOES, Councilmembers:

ABSENT, Councilmembers:
20 ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:

ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________________ _____________________________ Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk Debbie Ruddock, Mayor 21 MINUTES

CITY OF HALF MOON BAY CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026

SPECIAL MEETING
ADCOCK COMMUNITY CENTER, 535 KELLY AVENUE

1. CONVENE SPECIAL MEETING / ROLL CALL
Mayor Ruddock called the Special Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.

2. OPEN SESSION IDENTIFICATION OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS

3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS

4. CLOSED SESSION
4A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION (Govt. Code section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: City of Half Moon Bay v. Granada CSD and Montara WSD, et al. Santa Clara Superior Court Civil No. 17CIV316927; Court of Appeal Case No. H049896

5. ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Ruddock adjourned the Special Meeting at approximately 6:46 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk
Approved by the City Council at the _______Regular meeting. 22 MINUTES

CITY OF HALF MOON BAY CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
ADCOCK COMMUNITY CENTER, 535 KELLY AVENUE

1. ROLL CALL / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ruddock called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:0 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.

Planning Analyst Jett called the Roll Call.

PRESENT: Councilmembers Brownstone, Jonsson, Nagengast, Vice Mayor Penrose and Mayor Ruddock

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Ruddock moved and Vice Mayor Penrose seconded a motion to approve the agenda with the exception of moving item 10D first. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

3. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS – None

4. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE – None.

5. REPORT OUT FROM RECENT CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS
City Attorney Bazzano reported the Council met in Closed Session. Council unanimously voted to not continue with litigation against Sewer Authority Mid Coastside.

6. CITY MANAGER UPDATES TO COUNCIL

6.A FRENCHMAN’S CREEK PARK UPDATE
Interim Public Works Director Seeley discussed updates to Frenchman’s Creek Park and Highway One North Safety and Operational Improvements Update.

The following individuals addressed the City Council:
23 February 17, 2026
City Council Minutes

•Mike Ferrerira

7. PUBLIC FORUM
The following individuals addressed the Council:
• Daniel Barrera with HIP Housing
• Marie Garnier
• Fred Garnier
• Jim Kurkowski
• Carolina Carbajal
• Joaquin Jimenez
• Eric Hollister
• Mark Hershman
• Paul Gregorioff
• Anita Rees

8. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Vice Mayor Penrose moved and Councilmember Nagengast seconded a motion to approve Consent Calendar. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

8.A WAIVE READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

8.B APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 1, 2026 SPECIAL MEETING

8.C APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026 SPECIAL MEETING

8.D APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026 REGULAR MEETING

8.E ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 2026-09, AN UPDATED RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE TO ADD A

RETENTION SCHEDULE FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY DEPARTMENT

8.F RECEIPT OF LEGISLATIVE POSITION LETTER

8.G ADOPT RESOLUTION 2026-10 IDENTIFYING NEGATIVE NOMINATIONS FOR ALL OFFSHORE

TRACTS WITHIN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF PLANNING AREAS

8.H ACCEPT WARRANTS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026

8.I APPROVE WAVECREST ROAD WATER MAIN PROJECT – RESOLUTION 2026-11 A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT, AMENDMENT 01

9. ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.

10. RESOLUTIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
24 February 17, 2026
City Council Minutes

Mayor Ruddock requested that item 10.D be presented first.

RECESS
Mayor Ruddock called a recess at 8:20. The meeting reconvened with all council members present at 8:29.

10.D FOLLOW UP UPDATE ON RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROGRAMS AND PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES Administrative Analyst Acosta presented the item. City Council asked clarifying questions of staff.

The following individuals addressed the City Council:
• Nancy Fontana
• Pam D
• Joaquin Jimenez
• Judy Taylor
• Carolina Carbajal
• Sarah Bueno
• Barbara La Vey
• Jean Knight
• Linda Cros Anderson
• Joanne Rokosky
• Suann Moore
• Harvey Rarback
• Robert Hedro
• Jose Guadelupe Avila Cruz
• Rocio Avila
• Armando Avila
• Fernando Pena
• Hyun-Mi Kim
• Cindy Carrasco
RECESS
Mayor Ruddock called a recess at 9:43pm. The meeting reconvened with all councilmembers present at 9:47pm.

The council discussed the item. Mayor Ruddock requested that the item be continued with more data included in the alternative options.

MOTION
25 February 17, 2026
City Council Minutes

Councilmember Brownstone moved and Councilmember Jonsson seconded the motion to continue the item to a date uncertain.

COUNCILMEMBER PENROSE LEFT THE MEETING AT 10:57 PM
Mayor Ruddock moved item 10.C ahead of item 10.A.

10.C SISTER CITY COMMEMORATIVE GARDEN PROJECT
Management Analyst Acosta presented the item.

The following individuals addressed the City Council:
• Naomi Patridge via Jill Impink
• Tom Wilkins
MOTION
Mayor Ruddock moved and Councilmember Brownstone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-12, authorizing the City Manager to develop and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Half Moon Bay - Kariwa Sister City Association to implement the Sister City Commemorative Garden at the Half Moon Bay Library; and finding the project exempt pursuant to Title 14 CA Code Regs section 15304 (“CEQA Guidelines”) as a Class 4 categorical exemption- Minor Alteration to Land. The motion carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilmember Penrose absent.

10.A DOWNTOWN POLE BANNER PROGRAM
Management Analyst Acosta presented the item.

The following individuals addressed the City Council:
• Krystlyn Geidt
• Marianna Stark

10.B COMMUNITY SERVICES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM MIDYEAR UPDATE MOTION
Mayor Ruddock moved and Councilmember Brownstone moved to continue item 10. B to the March 3, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting.

11. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE UPDATES

12. FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION / POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS
26 February 17, 2026
City Council Minutes

Mayor Ruddock moved and Councilmember Brownstone seconded a request for a joint meeting with BPAC to discuss e-bike safety.

13. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS - None

14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ruddock adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:46 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk
*Approved by the City Council at the ____Regular meeting. 27 BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY

AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: March 3, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Kenneth Stiles, Interim Administrative Services Director TITLE: MID-YEAR OPERATING BUDGET REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution amending the FY 2025-26 Operating and Capital Budget.

FISCAL IMPACT:

General Fund revenues for FY 2025-26 are amended to $25,353,502, reflecting a $1,495,014 increase. General Fund expenditures are adjusted to $25,379,607, an increase of $50,000 over the adopted FY 2025-26 budget, all of which was previously approved by the Council. NonGeneral Fund revenues are amended to $36,655,261 and Non-General Fund expenditures to $45,120,272.

STRATEGIC ELEMENT:

This recommendation supports the Fiscal Sustainability and Inclusive Governance Elements of the Strategic Plan.

BACKGROUND:

The City Manager and Finance Department staff completed a Mid-Year Budget Analysis and are proposing adjustments to the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.

As part of the typical mid-year budget review, Department Heads were directed to review their expenditures and revenues in FY 2025-26 and to provide projections (and any proposed modifications) in order to identify significant variances which may necessitate amendments.

Finance staff met with each department to discuss and finalize the Revised FY 2025-26 budget recommendations. In contrast to prior years, departments have refrained from requesting any major changes to staffing or programs, in recognition of the City’s current fiscal situation.

Year-end adjustments in operating expenditures exceeding $10,000 of the adopted budget are considered material in nature and are proposed for budget adjustment. Revenue adjustments are described in the body of this staff report, and an itemized version is attached 28 (Attachment #3). The estimates in the Mid-Year Financial Analysis will be revisited in the development of the FY 2026-27 budget and significant and material changes will be presented as part of the annual financial presentation.

DISCUSSION:

This mid-year budget report will focus on the following key objectives:

1. Updating Council on General Fund revenues and expenditures including adjustments

2. Updating Council on all other fund revenues and expenditures including adjustments

3. Updating Council on the Five-Year Forecast and Fiscal Year 2026-27 projected deficit

GENERAL FUND
The General Fund is the City’s main operating fund, covering day-to-day activities such as administration, law enforcement and public safety, public works, community development. economic development, community services, and recreation. It receives various revenues, including transient occupancy tax (TOT), sales tax, property tax, business registration fees, and service fees.

Revenues
The total revised estimates for General Fund revenues are projected to be $25,353,502 or $1.4 million (6%) higher than the Adopted Budget of $23,858,488.

The following table illustrates the adopted and revised budget recommendations:

General Fund Revenues Adopted Budget Mid-Year
Proposal Revised % Change
Transient Occupancy Tax 8,699,852 1,189,705 9,889,557 14% Property Taxes 3,711,552 628,242 4,339,795 17%
Sales & Use Taxes 4,972,232 77,068 5,049,300 2%
Other Revenues 6,474,852 (400,001) 6,074,851 -6%
Total 23,858,488 1,495,014 25,353,502 6%
• Transient Occupancy Tax These revenues are trending ahead of budget through the second quarter. The adopted budget was developed before the stronger-than-expected gains in the final quarter of the prior fiscal year, which reset the ongoing revenue baseline higher. The revised estimate assumes second-half collections perform consistent with the prior year. Based on this approach, staff recommends increasing the projection by $1.2 million (14%), resulting in a revised estimate of $9.9 million. • Property Taxes Property Tax revenues are projected to increase by $628 thousand (17%), resulting in a revised estimate of $4.3 million. The adjustment reflects receipt of a one-time prior-year Vehicle License Fee (VLF) backfill payment, updated ERAF allocations, and the assumption that base property tax trends continue through yearend. The projection assumes receipt of the second VLF payment associated with the 29 current year allocation, at a reduced level consistent with historical shortfall trends. • Sales & Use Taxes Sales and Use Tax revenues are revised upward by $77 thousand (2%) to $5 million. Year-to-date receipts, including Measure R, are tracking with budget assumptions. Based on current collections and review, modest positive performance supports this adjustment while remaining conservative given the uncertain economic conditions.
• Other Revenues This category includes various revenue streams such as business licenses, golf facility fees, parking fees, development-related fees, and grant funding.

The overall decrease of $400 thousand (6%) is largely driven by lower Business License revenues associated with prior-year fee corrections and related credits, as well as reduced developer-related fee activity (see Attachment 3 for itemized detail).

Expenditures
Given the City’s fiscal challenges, operating departments were advised against budget increases unless necessary. As a result, there are no expenditure adjustments for council consideration.

Actions Request
There are no expenditure adjustment requests $0
Total General Fund Requests $0
Projected General Fund Balance
Should the Council approve the recommendations listed above, the ending General Fund balance as of June 30, 2026, is projected to be approximately $13.8 million which includes $8.8 million in reserves and $1.6 million in unassigned fund balance.

The projected fund balance for the General Fund is shown below:

Adopted Budget
(Before Final Audit)
Adopted Budget
(After Final Audit)
Revised
Budget
Beginning Fund Balance 10,304,900 $ 13,902,420 $ 13,902,420 Total Revenues 23,858,488 23,858,488 25,353,502
Expenditures
Operating Expenditures 24,344,607 24,344,607 24,374,607 Capital Transfers 985,000 985,000 1,005,000
Total Expenditures 25,329,607 25,329,607 25,379,607
Ending Fund Balance 8,833,781 12,431,301 13,876,315
Reserves (Operating & Economic) 8,833,781 8,833,781 12,187,304 Unassigned Fund Balance - 3,597,520 1,689,011
30 The reduction in unassigned fund balance from the adopted budget (as adjusted following the audit) to the revised budget reflects in-year budget amendments, updated revenue and expenditure estimates discussed above, and allocations made to fully fund reserve balances.

NON-GENERAL FUNDS
Non-General Funds include the following categories:

• Special Revenue and Capital Funds, including Storm Drain, Main Street Bridge, Gas Tax, Streets and Roads, Measure A & W, Traffic Mitigation, Library Operating and Capital, Parks Development, Affordable Housing, Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) Grant, Public Facilities, General Capital and Land Assets funds. • Enterprise Funds, including Sewer Operating and Capital funds, and • Internal Service Funds, including Vehicle and Equipment Replacement, Risk Management, and Pension Stabilization funds.

Revenues
Revised estimates for all other fund revenues are projected at $36.8 million, reflecting a $725 thousand (2%) increase over the adopted budget of $36.1 million. This increase is primarily due to the receipt of $500 thousand from the County towards ongoing maintenance at Stone Pine Cove. Attachment #2 provides full details of previously approved items, while Attachment #3 outlines itemized revenue changes.

The table below outlines the adjustments by fund category:
• Enterprise Funds Enterprise Funds are increasing by $99 thousand (1%), resulting in a revised budget of $7.46 million. The adjustment reflects additional impact fee revenue recognition during the fiscal year.
• Special Revenue & Capital Funds Special Revenue and Capital Funds are increasing by a net $499 thousand (3%), resulting in a revised budget of $18.84 million. The change reflects higher impact fee revenues and additional grant activity, partially offset by previously approved adjustments.
• Internal Service Funds Internal Service Funds are decreasing by $35 thousand (15%), resulting in a revised budget of $195 thousand. The adjustment reflects lower-thananticipated interest earnings, partially offset by impact fee revenue activity during the Other Funds Adopted
Budget
Previously
Approved
Mid-Year
Proposal
Total
Adjustment
Revised
Budget
%
Change
Enterprise Funds 7,364,582 - 99,389 99,389 7,463,971 1% Special Revenue & Capital 18,342,273 (287,991) 787,147 499,156 18,841,429 3% Internal Service 229,808 - (35,218) (35,218) 194,590 -15% Transfers in (various funds) 10,193,306 161,965 - 161,965 10,355,271 2% Total 36,129,968 (126,026) 851,319 725,293 36,855,261 2% Adjustments
31 fiscal year.

Expenditures
Non-General Fund expenditures comprise $45.1 million of the City’s $70.4 million total adopted expenditure budget. At mid-year, these expenditures reflect a net decrease of $503 thousand. This net change is primarily driven by a $511 thousand reduction associated with previously approved adjustments, partially offset by a $7 thousand increase included in the current mid-year proposals.

Previously approved Council actions are detailed in Attachment 2. The mid-year expenditure requests are outlined below.

Actions Request Justification
Fund 142 – Judgement Bonds B 7,100
The final payment on the Judgment Bonds
occurred in 2020. This action transfers the
remaining balance to the General Fund and
closes the fund.

Total Non-General Fund Requests 7,100

GENERAL FUND FORECAST
Forecasting is an essential budgeting tool that helps the City anticipate long-term fiscal challenges, evaluate financial sustainability, and inform decision-making. The City utilizes multiyear forecasting in budget cycles to assess structural balance and guide financial planning efforts.

Beginning in FY 2023-24, the City identified a multimillion-dollar structural deficit driven by rising costs and constrained revenue growth. In response to these pressures, the City implemented a combination of revenue and expenditure strategies to stabilize its financial position. These efforts included voter approval of Measure R to enhance ongoing revenues, implementation of a comprehensive cost allocation and fee study to improve service cost recovery, and operational adjustments to moderate expenditure growth where feasible.

While the FY 202-26 outlook now reflects a near-balanced position, with a projected deficit of approximately $26 thousand, this result is achieved after incorporating one-time revenues and expenditure adjustments realized during the fiscal year. On a structural basis, the underlying imbalance remains more significant.

Looking ahead, the preliminary five-year forecast prepared as part of this mid-year review projects a structural deficit of approximately $1.8 million in FY 2026-27 under current assumptions. Although this reflects continued fiscal pressure, it represents a marked improvement compared to prior projections.

This improvement is largely attributable to stronger-than-anticipated Transient Occupancy Tax performance and the ongoing impact of Measure R, both of which have materially 32 strengthened the City’s revenue base. The chart below highlights the change in the projected FY 2026-27 structural deficit between the projection prepared in April 2024 and the current estimate for that same fiscal year.

While the City’s financial trajectory is moving in a positive direction, a structural gap remains and will require ongoing attention in future budget cycles. The reduction in the projected deficit narrows the scale of the challenge but does not eliminate the need for continued financial planning and structural balancing efforts as the City enters the FY 2026-27 budget development process.

Preparing the FY 2026-27 Budget
As the City begins preparation of the FY 2026-27 budget, staff will build upon the preliminary five-year forecast presented in this report to inform budget development and long-range financial planning.

In the coming weeks, Finance staff will issue budget instructions to all departments outlining timelines, financial assumptions, and operational planning expectations for the upcoming fiscal year. Departments will be asked to review service levels, operational needs, and expenditure trends to ensure alignment with available resources and organizational priorities.

Budget development will incorporate updated revenue projections, expenditure escalation factors, staffing assumptions, and any initial findings from the organizational study. Staff will also conduct an independent review of key financial assumptions and forecasting inputs to support development of a comprehensive five-year financial plan. Assumptions will continue to be refined as additional data becomes available and economic conditions evolve.

Consistent with prior budget cycles, the Finance Committee will play a key role in reviewing fiscal assumptions, structural outlooks, and long-term financial considerations. Committee feedback will inform development of the Proposed FY 2026-27 Budget, which will ultimately be

4.5 1.8
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0.5 1.0

1.5 2.0

2.5 3.0

3.5 4.0

4.5 5.0
June 2024 Forecast February 2026 Draft Forecast
Millions
Projected FY 2026-27 Deficit Outlook
33 presented to the full City Council for review and policy direction.

The goal of this process is to develop a balanced and sustainable budget aligned with service priorities, fiscal policies, and long-term financial stability. Staff will continue monitoring economic conditions and refining financial assumptions to support Council deliberations throughout the budget cycle.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution authorizing adjustments to the FY 2025-26 Operating and Capital Budget

2. FY 2025-26 City Council Previously Approved Budget Items

3. FY 2025-26 Itemized Revenues & Expenditure Adjustments

4. FY 2025-26 Summaries of Revenues, Expenditures and Fund Balances By Fund 34 RESOLUTION NO. C-2026-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY APPROVING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FY 2025-26 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating and Capital Budget on June 17, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the Mid-Year Budget analysis and requested adjustments; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the appropriations limit, pursuant to California Constitution Article XII B, for fiscal year 2025-26 to $70,499,880.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Half Moon Bay hereby approves the budget adjustments needed for the City-wide revenues and expenditures to be as follows:

Revenue Expenditures
GENERAL FUND 25,353,502 25,379,607

ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Sewer Operating 8,936,747 8,936,747
Sewer Capital 219,314 2,207,090

SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
Storm Drain Operating 9,909 88,850
Traffic Mitigation 247,359 3,031,091
Library Operation 491 -
Main Street Bridge - -
Gas Tax 734,541 1,221,764
Streets and Roads 12,099,298 11,221,739
Measures A 479,791 274,753
Park/Facilities Development 2,437,102 2,233,609
Affordable Housing 202,109 1,049,950
Public Facilities 58,726 550,609
Police Grants 244,009 100,000
General Plan Fee 25,180 -
Measure W 207,915 -
Lot Retirement/Acquisition 127,219 -
CZI Grant 7,521 -
Opportunity Coastside Center 387,154 335,861
Judgement Obligation Bond 322 7,100
Capital General 7,093,504 8,833,776
Drainage Capital 271,343 1,535,594
Library Capital 13,457 -
Carter Park 52,000 -

INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
Vehicle Replacement 215,084 197,000
Equipment Replacement 595,838 563,114
Risk Management 487,874 1,240,408
Pension Stabilization 1,501,454 1,491,217
62,008,763 70,499,880
Mid-Year Budget
35 ******************************************************* I hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly passed and adopted on the 3rd day of March 2026, by the City Council of the City of Half Moon Bay by the following vote:

AYES, Councilmembers:

NOES, Councilmembers:

ABSENT, Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:

ATTEST: APPROVED:

Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk Debbie Ruddock, Mayor 36 Fund Description Council Date Revenue Expenditure
Various Final audited CIP funds carried over from prior years Prior Fiscal Year(s) (811,026) (1,284,346) 151 Cunha Safety Connectivity Project 8/19/2025 500,000 151 Grant for Cunha Safety Connectivity Project 8/19/2025 465,000 126 Multi-Jurisdictional Nexus / Feasibility Study 10/21/2025 59,314 303 Increase for workers' compensation costs 12/2/2025 24,000 125 Eastside Paralell Trail (#0619) 12/16/2025 220,000
125 Grant for Eastside Paralell Trail 12/16/2025 200,000 101 Transfer to Fund Capital Projects (#0619) 12/16/2025 20,000 125 Transfer from General Fund to Fund CIP #0619 12/16/2025 20,000 (126,026) (461,032)
NET FISCAL IMPACT OF CURRENT YEAR ADJUSTMENTS (335,006) City of Half Moon Bay
FY 2025-26 Revised Budget
Previously Approved Budget Items

FISCAL IMPACT
37 Approved
Budget
Actuals on
12/31 Ending Est. Increase / (Decrease)
General Fund Revenues
Transient Occupancy Tax 8,699,852 4,104,731 9,889,557 1,189,705 Property Taxes 2,466,757 1,323,217 2,510,238 43,481
Property Tax - ERAF 150,000 225,581 466,728 316,728
Vehicle In Lieu 980,097 858,131 1,248,131 268,034
Sales & Use Tax 3,108,985 1,125,184 3,166,600 57,615
District Add-on Tax (Measure R) 1,832,547 666,150 1,852,000 19,453 Franchise Fee 365,000 30,317 342,574 (22,426)
Business License Tax 362,543 36,611 44,306 (318,237)
Interest 518,797 115,535 474,272 (44,525)
Golf Facilities Fees 650,000 309,181 684,895 34,895
Fines & Forfeitures 83,435 45,939 112,909 29,474
Franchise Fee (Solid Waste) 643,159 164,846 656,889 13,730 Engineering Fees 75,000 26,632 33,210 (41,790)
Charging Stations 11,070 11,182 24,997 13,927
Poplar Beach Parking Fees 302,068 142,971 276,348 (25,720) Facility Rental 76,540 31,468 55,318 (21,222)
Miscellaneous Revenue - 42,584 42,584 42,584
Permit Reimbursements 316,600 28,225 194,280 (122,320)
Zoning & S/D Fees 73,400 13,504 49,578 (23,822)
Building Permits 392,000 254,395 470,351 78,351
General Fund Revenue Adjustment 1,487,914
Approved
Budget
Actuals on
12/31 Ending Est. Increase / (Decrease)
Other Funds
[Fund 112] - Traffic Mitigation - 71,779 71,779 71,779
[Fund 122] - Gas Tax 335,893 148,019 321,969 (13,924)
[Fund 122] - Rmra Tax 310,985 107,985 321,539 10,554
[Fund 124] - Sales Tax - Measure A 394,266 205,277 405,567 11,301 [Fund 125] - Park Facility Developme - 92,476 92,476 92,476 [Fund 126] - Rental Registry Fee - 34,147 34,147 34,147 [Fund 128] - Cops Distribution-Sm Co 185,000 154,628 202,260 17,260 [Fund 130] - General Plan Fee - 25,180 25,180 25,180
[Fund 133] - Miscellaneous Revenue - 79,744 79,744 79,744 [Fund 151] - Miscellaneous Revenue - 500,000 500,000 500,000 [Fund 155] - Miscellaneous Revenue - 2,000 52,000 52,000 [Fund 202] - Sewer Connection Fees - 99,389 99,389 99,389 [Fund 301] - Capital Imp/Impact/Dev - 12,492 12,492 12,492 [Multiple] - Interest 1,359,457 317,366 1,218,378 (141,079) Other Funds Revenue Adjustment 851,319
Approved
Budget
Actuals on
12/31 Ending Est. Increase / (Decrease)
Fund Transfers
Fund 101 - General Fund (From Judgement Bonds Fund) 602,454.00 - 609,554 7,100 Total Revenue Adjustments 2,346,333
City of Half Moon Bay
FY 2025-26 Revised Budget
Proposed Revenue Adjustments
38 Approved
Budget
Actuals on
12/31 Ending Est. Increase / (Decrease)
General Fund Expenditures
-
-
-
General Fund Expenditure Adjustment -
Approved
Budget
Actuals on
12/31 Ending Est. Increase / (Decrease)
Other Funds
- -
General Fund Expenditure Adjustment -
Approved
Budget
Actuals on
12/31 Ending Est. Increase / (Decrease)
Fund Transfers
Fund 142 - Judgement Bonds Fund (to General Fund) - - 7,100 7,100 Total Expenditure Adjustments 7,100
Proposed Expenditures Adjustments
City of Half Moon Bay
FY 2025-26 Revised Budget
39 Actual Adopted Previously Mid-Year Revised % Change over Fund Name 2024-25 2025-26 Approved Adjustments 2025-26 Adopted GENERAL FUND 23,505,000 $ 23,858,488 $ - $ 1,495,014 25,353,502 $ 6.3%

ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Sewer Operating $ 7,312,752 8,936,747 - - 8,936,747 0.0% Sewer Capital 276,897 119,925 - 99,389 219,314 82.9%
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS 7,589,649 9,056,672 - 99,389 9,156,061 1.1%

SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
Storm Drain Operating 14,610 9,909 - - 9,909 0.0%
Traffic Mitigation 327,979 175,580 - 71,779 247,359 40.9% Library Operation 918 491 - - 491 0.0%
Main Street Bridge 3,075 - - - -
Gas Tax 782,206 726,213 - 8,328 734,541 1.1%
Streets and Roads 1,415,703 11,992,605 135,844 (29,151) 12,099,298 0.9% Measures A 512,544 468,490 - 11,301 479,791 2.4%
Park/Facilities Development 2,391,600 2,305,846 72,191 59,065 2,437,102 5.7% Affordable Housing 437,050 221,052 - (18,943) 202,109 -8.6% Public Facilities 183,739 58,726 - - 58,726 0.0%
Police Grants 256,525 226,749 - 17,260 244,009 7.6%
General Plan Fee - - - 25,180 25,180
Measure W 227,569 207,915 - - 207,915 0.0%
Lot Retirement/Acquisition 69,782 47,475 - 79,744 127,219 168.0% CZI Grant 8,754 7,521 - - 7,521 0.0%
Opportunity Coastside Center 1,270,962 1,192,337 (805,182) - 387,154 -67.5% Capital General 2,345,748 6,096,276 476,121 521,107 7,093,504 16.4% Drainage Capital 138,140 287,187 (5,000) (10,844) 271,343 -5.5% Library Capital 40,651 13,457 - - 13,457 0.0%
Carter Park Capital - - - 52,000 52,000
10,427,555 24,037,828 (126,026) 786,825 24,698,628 2.7% Vehicle Replacement 97,529 202,592 - 12,492 215,084 6.2% Equipment Replacement 580,835 595,838 - - 595,838 0.0%
Risk Management 1,035,030 487,874 - - 487,874 0.0%
Pension Stabilization 1,404,893 1,549,164 - (47,710) 1,501,454 -3.1% INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 3,118,287 2,835,468 - (35,218) 2,800,251 -1.2% Judgement Bonds - B 354 - - 322 322
DEBT SERVICE FUNDS 354 - - 322 322
21,135,845 35,929,968 (126,026) 851,319 36,655,261 2.0% Total All Funds $ 44,640,845 $ 59,788,457 $ (126,026) $ 2,346,333 $ 62,008,763 4% Total Other Funds

TOTAL SPECIAL REVENUE AND
City of Half Moon Bay
FY 2025-26 Revised Budget
Summary of Revenue & Transfers by Fund
Budget Adjustments
40 Actual Adopted Previously Mid-Year Revised % Change over Fund Name 2024-25 2025-26 Approved Adjustments 2025-26 Adopted GENERAL FUND $ 23,970,509 $ 25,329,607 $ 50,000 - $ 25,379,607 0.2%

ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Sewer Operating $ 7,726,874 8,936,747 - - 8,936,747 0.0% Sewer Capital (587,864) 2,417,601 (210,511) - 2,207,090 -8.7% TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS 7,139,009 11,354,347 (210,511) - 11,143,836 -1.9%

SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
Storm Drain Operating 11,150 93,850 (5,000) - 88,850 -5.3% Traffic Mitigation 151,963 2,895,248 135,844 - 3,031,091 4.7% Library Operation - - - - -
Main Street Bridge - - - - -
Gas Tax 110,927 1,221,764 - - 1,221,764 0.0%
Streets and Roads 2,127,873 11,443,512 (221,773) - 11,221,739 -1.9% Measures A 68,723 274,753 - - 274,753 0.0%
Park/Facilities Development 3,010,822 2,164,921 68,688 - 2,233,609 3.2% Affordable Housing 1,173,603 1,314,998 (265,048) - 1,049,950 -20.2% Public Facilities 265,058 548,106 2,504 - 550,609 0.5%
Police Grants 174,088 100,000 - - 100,000 0.0%
General Plan Fee - - - - -
Measure W - - - - -
Lot Retirement/Acquisition 176,489 - - - -
CZI Grant 107,790 - - - -
Opportunity Coastside Center 1,278,139 729,689 (393,828) - 335,861 -54.0% Capital General 1,038,277 8,474,684 359,093 - 8,833,776 4.2% Drainage Capital 229,313 1,540,594 (5,000) - 1,535,594 -0.3% Library Capital - - - - -
Carter Park - - - - -
9,924,214 30,802,118 (324,521) - 30,477,597 -1.1%
Vehicle Replacement 95,241 197,000 - - 197,000 0.0%
Equipment Replacement 461,338 563,114 - - 563,114 0.0%
Risk Management (886,414) 1,216,408 24,000 - 1,240,408 2.0% Pension Stabilization 1,346,432 1,491,217 - - 1,491,217 0.0% INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,016,597 3,467,739 24,000 - 3,491,739 0.7% Judgement Bonds - B - - - 7,100 7,100
DEBT SERVICE FUNDS - - - 7,100 7,100
18,079,821 45,624,204 (511,032) 7,100 45,120,272 -1.1%
Total All Funds $ 42,050,330 $ 70,953,812 $ (461,032) $ 7,100 $ 70,499,880 -1%

TOTAL SPECIAL REVENUE AND
Total Other Funds
City of Half Moon Bay
FY 2025-26 Revised Budget
Summary of Expenditures & Transfers by Fund
Budget Adjustments
41 Audited Revenues & Expenditures Revenue Projected
Fund Balance Trsfrs In & Trsfrs Out Over(Under) Fund Balance 7/1/2025 Budget Budget Expenditures 6/30/2026

GENERAL FUND
101 General Fund $ 13,902,420 $ 25,353,502 $ (25,379,607) $ (26,105) $ 13,876,315

ENTERPRISE FUNDS
201 Sewer Operating (0.53) 8,936,747 (8,936,747) - -
202 Sewer Capital 1 3,363,002 219,314 (2,207,090) (1,987,775) 1,375,226 Total Enterprise Funds 3,363,001 9,156,061 (11,143,836) (1,987,775) 1,375,226

SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
111 Storm Drain Operating 271,456 9,909 (88,850) (78,941) 192,515 112 Traffic Mitigation 4,737,555 247,359 (3,031,091) (2,783,732) 1,953,823 113 Library Operation 111,914 491 - 491 112,405
121 Main Street Bridge 48,160 - - - 48,160
122 Gas Tax 2,755,672 734,541 (1,221,764) (487,223) 2,268,449 123 Streets and Roads 1,651,398 12,099,298 (11,221,739) 877,558 2,528,956 124 Measures A 2,333,623 479,791 (274,753) 205,037 2,538,660 125 Park/Facilities Development 164,350 2,437,102 (2,233,609) 203,493 367,843 126 Affordable Housing 5,218,156 202,109 (1,049,950) (847,841) 4,370,314 127 Public Facilities 1,426,891 58,726 (550,609) (491,883) 935,008 128 Police Grants 1,168,128 244,009 (100,000) 144,009 1,312,138 130 General Plan Fee - 25,180 - 25,180 25,180
132 Measure W 1,108,452 207,915 - 207,915 1,316,367
133 Lot Retirement/Acquisition 1,313,892 127,219 - 127,219 1,441,111 134 CZI Grant 112,027 7,521 - 7,521 119,548
135 Opportunity Coastside Center 22,532 387,154 (335,861) 51,294 73,826 151 Capital General 3,091,511 7,093,504 (8,833,776) (1,740,272) 1,351,239 152 Drainage Capital 1,295,544 271,343 (1,535,594) (1,264,251) 31,293 153 Library Capital 489,835 13,457 - 13,457 503,292
155 Carter Park - 52,000 - 52,000 52,000
Total Special Revenue and Capital Funds 27,321,094 24,698,628 (30,477,597) (5,778,969) 21,542,125

INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
301 Vehicle Replacement 372,276 215,084 (197,000) 18,084 390,361 302 Equipment Replacement 1,178,688 595,838 (563,114) 32,724 1,211,412 303 Risk Management 4,119,389 487,874 (1,240,408) (752,534) 3,366,855 304 Pension Stabilization 1,568,001 1,501,454 (1,491,217) 10,237 1,578,238 Total Internal Service Funds 7,238,354 2,800,251 (3,491,739) (691,489) 6,546,865

DEBT SERVICE FUNDS
142 Judgement Bonds - B 6,778 322 (7,100) (6,778) 0
Total Debt Service Funds 6,778 322 (7,100) (6,778) 0
Total Other Funds $ 37,929,228 $ 36,655,261 $ (45,120,272) $ (8,465,011) $ 29,464,217 Total All Funds $ 51,831,647 $ 62,008,763 $ (70,499,880) $ (8,491,116) $ 43,340,532 City of Half Moon Bay
FY 2025-26 Revised Budget
Summary of Fund Balances by Fund
42

BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY

AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: March 3, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Julissa Acosta, Management Analyst
TITLE: COMMUNITY SERVICES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM MIDYEAR UPDATE ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a mid-year update on the FY 2025-26 Community Services Financial Assistance (CSFA) grant program and provide direction on the future of the program.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26 is included in the Recommended Budget, with no additional requests at this time. Staff will return to Council following the Midyear Budget Review to seek direction on any additional funding allocations.

STRATEGIC ELEMENT:

This action supports all elements of the Strategic Plan.

BACKGROUND:

The Community Services Financial Assistance (CSFA) grant program launched during FY 2018-19.

The program was created to fund community programs across 15 local nonprofit organizations in service areas such as education, culture, animal services, homelessness and housing support, aging, food security, and dental care. Grants were capped at up to $15,000 per organization.

City Council approved increases to the total grant amount, allocating $200,000 in FY 2021-22 and $300,000 in FY 2022-23, with individual grants of up to $50,000. Due to the ongoing economic and health impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, CSFA funding was exclusively provided to organizations whose programs delivered essential safety net services to Half Moon Bay residents. Examples of basic services included housing assistance, food and shelter, mental and dental care, substance use support, and childcare and senior services. The increase in financial support was informed by growing need, such as a 41% increase in CalFresh enrollment and more frequent food distribution.

In alignment with recommendations from the Coastside Recovery Initiative (CRI), City Council approved implementing a cohort model, where grantees’ executive leadership team members 43

participate in quarterly convenings during the grant period and receive additional support via technical assistance. The quarterly cohort convenings yielded positive results, deepened connections among decision makers, and established direct lines of communication that did not previously exist. This partnership has enabled organizations to proactively lead responses to emergencies and crises like severe weather events, housing displacement and immigration threats.

Additionally, technical assistance and ongoing engagement have extended beyond the benefits of individual grants, generating broader community impact and return on investment. A unified messaging platform led to a successful grant application for the allcove youth mental health program and a joint Measure K application to help expand healthcare access on the Coast. While the Measure K application was not successful, CSFA grantees collectively continue to support outreach efforts for programs like the Urgent Care Clinic pilot, College of San Mateo Coastside Campus, allcove and the Mobile Crises Response Team (MCRT). Technical assistance provided by Lightbox Collaborative allowed cohort participants to enhance their communication strategies and improve donor engagement to drive additional resources.

To support ongoing collaboration efforts among safety net service providers, City Council directed staff to continue the cohort model, funding the same group of organizations for FY 2024–25 and extending the structure to a two-year grant cycle for FY 2025–26. This approach was designed to reduce administrative burdens, provide greater funding stability, and minimize disruptions to multi-year strategies being developed through the cohort. The funded organizations deliver a broad range of essential safety net services, including childcare, mental and dental health care, substance use prevention and treatment, senior services, food assistance, housing stabilization, and homelessness response. Maintaining a consistent cohort allows providers to coordinate services, strengthen referral pathways, and address complex, interrelated needs across the lifespan. For FY 2025–26, seven of the nine organizations received partial funding adjustments to align with available resources and program priorities, while the remaining organizations continued at their prior funding levels (Attachment 1), ensuring continuity of critical services for vulnerable populations.

DISCUSSION:

Mid-Year Update for FY 2025-26:

Mid-Year Highlights:

Abundant Grace - $30,000
Abundant Grace reported housing 10 individuals and supporting 11 residents entering Coast House Shelter. Services included over 2,000 showers, 1,500 loads of laundry, and distribution of thousands of pounds of food sourced from local farms, Safeway, and Second Harvest. One participant successfully rebuilt her life after years of mental health crisis and homelessness, securing stable housing, regaining custody of her son, and now serving in a leadership role at a 70-bed shelter.
44

Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside-$20,000
Political changes have caused anxiety in the community. Through the scholarships provided, BGCC has continued to offer after school care, activities and nutritious meals for children and families, providing relief to working families in Half Moon Bay. Additional partnerships with Coastside Hope and ALAS promote engagement with families. “Know your rights” workshops provide valuable information and resources for Half Moon Bay children and families.

Coastside Adult Day Health Center - $13,333
Over 90% of participants have remained stable, with 79% staying in their own homes. While enrollments were slightly below expectations, workflow adjustments are planned for efficiency in the second half of FY 2025-26. Overall participant health has improved, with fewer hospitalizations and increased reported wellbeing. A young stroke survivor has made notable mobility gains through occupational and physical therapy and is motivated to continue improving so he can volunteer and give back to the center during the Pumpkin Festival.

El Centro de Libertad - $13,333
All clients receiving substance use services participated in treatment plans approved by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Services reached 28 Half Moon Bay residents, totaling over 550 hours, with additional education in anger management and domestic violence. One long-time resident entered treatment after jail and daily meth use. Through motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and gradual goal setting, they reduced and ultimately stopped substance use, reconnected with family, secured stable housing, completed probation, gained full-time employment as a chef, and engaged in aftercare in order to stay on track with goals and with support from the recovery community.

Senior Coastsiders - $33,333
During this period, Senior Coastsiders enhanced seniors’ health and wellbeing through 34,699 meals, nutrition education, and holiday events that reduced isolation. Transportation services provided nearly 400 rides to 11 seniors with disabilities, supporting mobility, independence, and access to essential programs, filling a critical gap left by ReadiCoast. Personalized care management offered advocacy, crisis intervention, and coordination with families and service providers, helping seniors remain safe, connected, and supported.

Key Learnings and Ongoing Challenges:

ALAS - $19,444
A key challenge has been connecting clients to treatment quickly, largely due to matching clients with the right therapist. To improve timelines, all mental health referrals now undergo phone screening to assess client needs, and case management supports the process, ensuring better therapist-client fit and faster engagement in services. 45

Coastside Hope -$50,000
The program faced two major crises: a local immigration enforcement threat and the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown. While the immigration threat eased, the SNAP suspension created significant food insecurity and increased staff workload. During the shutdown period, over 1,500 Half Moon Bay residents were served, with more than 1,100 food units distributed, a 24% increase from the same period in 2024. Community support and volunteer efforts were crucial in meeting the heightened demand, demonstrating strong local solidarity during the crisis.

CoastPride -$6,667
Retaining clinical facilitators that oversee group sessions has been a challenge for CoastPride.

Switching to a co-facilitated approach led by a clinical professional and a community volunteers, that receive transportation stipends to remove barriers, ensure continuation of services and active youth engagement and participation.

Sonrisas Dental -$16,667
Sonrisas continues to address sustainability challenges, particularly the need for stable, longterm funding. The end of a subcontract with San Mateo Medical Center and Federal funding cuts underscored the instability of reimbursement and the growing gap between care costs and payments. Multiple families have been receiving letters noting their dental coverage was ending, causing additional stress. In response to recent challenges, Sonrisas is investing in staff and leadership development, strengthening referral networks, improving communication through expanded outreach and SMS reminders, and increasing access via partnerships such as the ALAS Health Equity Bus. Despite these challenges, Sonrisas remains committed to ensuring equitable dental care for all.

A detailed chart summarizing the mid-year reports of all CSFA grant recipients for FY 2025-26 is included at the end of this report.

On May 20, 2025, City Council also instructed staff to return in early 2026 to provide a mid-year update and determine if additional funding is available for organizations that received partial allocations. Following the Midyear Budget Review, staff will return to Council to seek direction on whether additional funding may be allocated to organizations that received partial awards.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. CSFA FY 2025-26 Original Funding

2. Mid-year Report Summary
46 Attachment 1 - CSFA Funding FY 2025-26
Grantee Program Amount
Abundant Grace Workforce Development Center - Community Programs & Services
$30,000
ALAS Mental Health Services $23,333
Boys & Girls Club of the
Coastside
After school support & Out of school time -
Cohort Development $20,000
CoastPride Health & Wellness $6,667
Coastside Adult Day
Health Center
Aging in Place $13,333
Coastside Hope Critical Family Needs Safety Net Program $50,000 El Centro de Libertad El Centro Coastside Essential Services Initiative (MH & Substance Use) $13,333
Senior Coastsiders Promoting successful aging for Coastside Seniors $33,333 Sonrisas Dental Access to Care:Equitable Access to Oral Health Care
$16,667
Cohort Support Technical Assistance $20,000
Total CSFA $226,667
47 Program Grantee Funding
Amount
YTD
Expended
Avg. % of
Goal
Achieved
Program Outcomes for first half of FY 25-26 Challenges / Obstacles Abundant Grace $30,000 $30,000 100%
In the past six months, Abundant Grace has supported the homeless community in Half Moon Bay with substantial outcomes and high service volume. Ten people were housed, 11 entered Coast House Shelter, several found jobs, and 15 maintained sobriety. The site provided over 2,000 showers and 1,500 loads of laundry, serving about 30 individuals daily. Food distribution included 15,823 pounds of farm-grown produce, 5,000 pounds of rescued produce from Safeway, and biweekly pallets from Second Harvest Food Bank.

The greatest challenge is providing support that effectively guides individuals toward better choices and outcomes, recognizing that each person experiencing homelessness has unique traumas, addictions, and circumstances. With a full range of services, staff have the time and platform to engage in personalized, creative work that helps people make meaningful progress.

ALAS - *Adjusted $19,444 $14,301 74%
The grant supported mental health services and case management for 32 individuals, 9 receiving therapy and 23 receiving case management. Services have helped them connect with and stay engaged in mental health services and case management through ALAS.

A key challenge has been connecting clients to treatment quickly, largely due to matching clients with the right therapist. To improve timelines, all mental health referrals now undergo a phone screening to assess client needs, and case management supports the process, ensuring better therapist-client fit and faster engagement in services.

Boys & Girls Club
of the Coastside $20,000 $16,550 83%
For the 2025–26 school year, 110 scholarships ($200 each) were offered to lowincome families to support participation in BGCC after-school academic and athletics programs. In the first two quarters, 27 seventh-grade and 26 eighth-grade families received academic program scholarships. Additionally, 68 scholarships supported youth participation in fall and winter sports, including cross country, flag football, volleyball, and basketball, reducing fees for families.

The program provided daily after-school support including structured academic support, mentoring, nutrition, fitness, enrichment (STEAM, arts, gardening, cooking, gaming), and community activities such as library workshops and beach field trips.

Services were also offered during school breaks, including three days over Thanksgiving.

Political changes have caused anxiety in the community, though scholarship families have remained engaged. BGCC is collaborating with Coastside Hope and ALAS to provide a “know your rights” workshop for staff, ensuring they can offer traumainformed support. The goal is to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for youth, modeling stability and reassurance through trained mentors and staff.

CoastPride $6,667 $3,442 52%
Approximately fifteen middle school students regularly participate in the coastside middle school support group, where they build friendships and support one another with guidance from peer facilitators. Survey results show that 100% of respondents feel more connected to the LGBTQ+ community, and all trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive participants report the group has helped them access resources that support their gender identity.

Due to ongoing challenges retaining clinical facilitators, the middle school group is transitioning to a more stable facilitation model. A trained local facilitator from Outlet at Adolescent Counseling Services will now co-facilitate alongside a long-standing community volunteer. To promote equity and reduce transportation barriers, stipends are being provided to community facilitators. This approach aims to improve facilitator retention, ensure consistency for youth, strengthen community capacity, and enhance overall LGBTQIA+ wellbeing through skills-building and facilitation training.

Coastside Adult
Day Health
Center
$13,333 $6,833 51%
Over 90% of participants have been able to remain stable, 79% were able to remain in their own homes and our outreach goals have been met. Enrollments were slightly fewer than anticipated, re-evaluating the enrollment workflow will ensure efficiency in the second half of FY 25-26. The health and well being of participants has remains a key priority noticing a decrease in hospitalizations, and increase in reported wellbeing and 90%.

Nearly 70% of participants rely on Medi-Cal, and ongoing threats to coverage remain a major concern. Staff are closely monitoring updates,especially related to Community Based Adult Services, through collaboration with the California Association for Adult Day Services. While no participants have been directly affected, ongoing communication and reassurance are necessary.

Transportation continues to be a challenge due to the program’s geographic reach.

Partnerships with Senior Coastsiders (two days per week) and MV Transit have improved access, and these collaborations are expected to support participants effectively through the rest of the fiscal year.
48 Coastside Hope $50,000 $21,250 43%
In the first six months, the program exceeded its annual performance targets, serving 3,135 Half Moon Bay residents across 1,263 households and surpassing the goal of 2,000 residents. During this period, 8,020 food service units were provided, averaging 1,336 units per month, well above the target of 120 units per month. The increased demand for food access was the result of a lapse in SNAP benefits.

Additonally, rental assistance issued allowed Coastside Hope to provide relief to clients facing eviction threats and economic impacts.

The program faced two major crises: a local immigration enforcement threat and the suspension of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. While the immigration threat eased, the SNAP suspension created significant food insecurity and increased staff workload. During the shutdown period, over 1,500 Half Moon Bay residents were served, with more than 1,100 food units distributed, a 24% increase from the same period in 2024. Community support through donations and volunteer efforts was crucial in meeting the heightened demand, allowing Coastside Hope to efficiently process and distribute food, demonstrating strong local solidarity during the crisis.

El Centro de
Libertad $13,333 $13,333 100%
All clients diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder received LMFT-reviewed and approved treatment plans with clear goals and diagnoses. Services were provided to 28 Half Moon Bay residents (4 youth and 24 adults), with additional adults receiving anger management and domestic violence education. In total, residents received over 550 hours of treatment services.

Clinical supervision is now provided by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) rather than an LCSW. Staff retention has historically been a major challenge, but CSFA funding and a new contract with ALAS beginning in May 2025 have significantly improved retention. Current staff have remained in their roles, with additional staff supporting expanded hours, including Saturday services.

Senior
Coastsiders $33,333 $16,500 50%
Nutrition: Seniors’ health and social engagement improved through 34,699 healthy meals, nutrition education, and holiday events that reduced isolation.

Transportation: Nearly 400 rides were provided to 11 seniors with disabilities, enhancing mobility, independence, and access to services, filling a critical gap left by ReadiCoast.

Care Management: Personalized support and advocacy helped seniors remain safe, connected, and supported, including crisis intervention and coordination with families and service providers.

Collaboration: CSFA funding strengthened community partnerships, staff capacity, and service delivery, exemplified by a joint grant proposal to support health and wellness for older adults experiencing homelessness.

During this funding period, Senior Coastsiders faced several challenges in delivering meals, transportation, and care management services. Rising costs for food, fuel, insurance, utilities and labor required ongoing and relentless efforts to secure additional funding to sustain core programs. At the same time, increased demand from a growing older adult population placed added pressure on staff capacity. Care management staff managed increasingly complex client needs. To address these challenges, we strengthened partnerships with local vendors and agencies, adjusted scheduling and routing to improve efficiency, cross-trained staff, and prioritized the most vulnerable clients for intensive support. These solutions allowed us to maintain service continuity while continuing to meet the essential needs of older adults in our community.

Sonrisas Dental $16,667 $7,091 43%
In the first half of FY25–26, Sonrisas provided comprehensive, equity-focused dental care that integrates restorative treatment, prevention, and education, serving a predominantly low-income population, 88% at the Half Moon Bay clinic. In response to additional funding threats, Sonrisas is implementing a Continuity of Care Transition Strategy that includes early patient communication, seamless enrollment into a sliding fee scale program, and expanded administrative capacity.

Rising care costs and stagnant public reimbursements have created significant financial strain, making strategic grant funding essential to sustain services, protect access to care, and advance long-term community health outcomes informed by patient feedback.

While celebrating progress, Sonrisas continues to address sustainability challenges, particularly the need for stable, long-term funding. The end of a subcontract with San Mateo Medical Center underscored the instability of reimbursement and the growing gap between care costs and payments. In response, Sonrisas is investing in staff and leadership development, strengthening referral networks, improving communication through expanded outreach and SMS reminders, and increasing access via partnerships such as the ALAS Health Equity Bus. Despite these challenges, Sonrisas remains committed to ensuring equitable dental care for all San Mateo County residents.

Cohort Support $10,000
Total CSFA $212,777 $129,300 61%
49

BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY

AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: March 3, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Julissa Acosta, Management Analyst
TITLE: HOMELESS SERVICES UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO

ADDRESS ENCAMPMENTS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an update on current homeless services and provide direction to staff on consideration of an ordinance to address encampments on public property.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with this item at this time.

STRATEGIC ELEMENT:

This recommendation supports the Healthy Communities and Public Safety Elements of the Strategic Plan.

BACKGROUND:

Homelessness and housing instability affect individuals experiencing homelessness, community members, businesses, visitors, and the environment throughout the City of Half Moon Bay and greater Coastside. Recent data indicate that homelessness within the City remains a persistent concern where unsheltered populations continue to utilize public rights-of-way, sensitive habitat areas, and other public property.

Based on data from regular counts by local service providers and outreach teams, the City’s homeless population is estimated at approximately 55 individuals living in unsheltered encampments and vehicles throughout the City with concentrations mostly observed in areas with proximity to Pilarcitos Creek. Many individuals experiencing homelessness face compounding challenges including mental health conditions, substance use disorders, chronic health issues, and economic instability. Additionally, shelter capacity, housing affordability, and other constraints continue to contribute to the persistence of unsheltered homelessness within the City.
50

Various City departments including Public Works, Community Development, the City Manager’s Office, and the Sheriff coordinate to address public health and safety concerns associated with encampments and unsheltered living conditions. While these efforts have resulted in some successful service connections and housing placements, participation in services remains voluntary and limited resources constrain the City’s ability to address the full scope of need.

Historically, the City has partnered with County of San Mateo’s Center on Homelessness (CoH)/ Human Services Agency (HSA), Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), and Department of Housing (DOH) to provide shelter access, housing vouchers, mental and health care, and food. Additionally, Abundant Grace Coastside Worker provides several services including access to showers, food, clothing, employment services, and health and wellness, while Pacifica Resource Center (PRC) provides ongoing outreach offering services like shelter, access to food, financial education and crises support. Close collaboration among these entities ensures referrals to Coastside Clinic, Coast House Shelter, El Centro de Libertad, Coastside Hope, and other non-profits delivering support to unhoused individuals.

The County of San Mateo also established the Coastside’s first homeless shelter during 2021.

The Coast House shelter, located at 230 Cabrillo Hwy South in Half Moon Bay, provides temporary housing and intensive on-site support services to help people experiencing homelessness transition to permanent housing. The program is intended primarily for adults experiencing homelessness, with priority given to individuals from Half Moon Bay and the broader Coastside area. The shelter is currently managed by Project WeHope and is staffed 24/7, providing comprehensive on-site services including case management, housing search assistance, employment support, access to financial and health resources, and partnerships with local service organizations. Stays are intended to be short-term, generally less than 120 days, though durations may be extended if housing or employment is pending. During 2025, 55 Coast House residents successfully transitioned to permanent housing.

Through recent efforts, the County received funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) program in 2024. ERF is geared to assist local jurisdictions to provide services and support to people experiencing homelessness prioritizing encampments in state public right of way. The ERF program has increased support for individuals in specific encampments that meet the ERF criteria receiving access to transitional and rapid rehousing options, as well as extended care to remove barriers for rehousing.

While ongoing efforts do not eliminate homelessness entirely, close partnerships with multiple agencies allow, through a combination of outreach efforts, service coordination and encampment abatement activities to manage the impacts of homelessness on public spaces and community well-being.
2025 Encampment Cleanups
During the previous calendar year, the City conducted multiple encampment cleanups in response to public health risks, safety hazards, environmental degradation, and accessibility 51

concerns in public spaces. These cleanups were conducted in various locations throughout the City where encampments posed significant impacts. In total, approximately eight cleanup operations were completed with support from Abundant Grace. These efforts resulted in the removal and proper disposal of approximately 10,290 pounds of trash and debris, including contaminated materials and hazardous waste. The City incurred an estimated cost of $5,600 related to these cleanups. While encampment cleanups are necessary to address immediate health and safety issues, they are resource-intensive and generally provide only temporary mitigation.
2025 RV Removals
City staff coordinated RV removals in three different locations. PRC provided support services and access to housing, and retired vehicles through their RV buyback program. When feasible, outreach teams were dispatched prior to cleanup activities to notify individuals in advance and offer available services and referrals.

County of San Mateo’s Hopeful Horizons Ordinance
In January 2024, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted the Hopeful Horizons:

Empowering Lives Ordinance (Attachment 1) which was designed to regulate encampments on public property within the County’s unincorporated areas. The ordinance is intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare while advancing the County’s objective of achieving Functional zero homelessness. Functional zero is defined as a measurable, sustained state where a community’s housing system places more people into permanent housing than the number of people becoming homeless. It permits enforcement only when suitable shelter is available and emphasizes a trauma-informed, outreach-based approach that prioritizes housing over punitive measures.

Before taking enforcement action, the County must offer appropriate shelter to individuals residing in an encampment. Individuals may not be cited or arrested for violating the ordinance unless they decline a shelter offer and receive at least two written warnings within a 48-hour period. Although violations may result in misdemeanor charges, the ordinance prioritizes diversion programs over incarceration. Diversion programs connect individuals with treatment, employment, targeted programming, and court supervision, redirecting individuals from the traditional criminal legal process.

The ordinance also establishes comprehensive written notice and property-storage requirements. Except in exigent circumstances, which include circumstances that pose an immediate public health or safety risk, or when an individual is subject to arrest, the County must provide at least 72-hour notice prior to the removal of personal effects such as identification, medications, photos, and records. The County must also offer reasonable assistance and store removed personal effects for up to 90 days. Hazardous or abandoned items may be removed without notice under specified conditions. 52

Overall, the Hopeful Horizons Ordinance seeks to balance public safety with compassionate, housing-focused interventions while upholding dignity and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Community Feedback
City staff began researching the Hopeful Horizons Ordinance in late 2025 and met with staff from San Mateo County and the City of Redwood City who were involved in the ordinance’s adoption. Through this process, staff determined that community feedback was a key element of the ordinance’s development and adoption and that strong communication channels among nonprofit providers and public agencies are essential in the adoption, implementation and enforcement of the ordinance. Though the programs are new, both jurisdictions indicated that early communication and outreach have played a key role in preventing folks from being criminally charged.

In early 2026, City staff engaged with the Downtown Business Association, members of the Coast House Community Advisory Committee and several nonprofit service providers to gather input. In addition, staff initiated an online survey with over one hundred responses, which allowed community members to share their feedback around a homeless encampment ordinance.

The identified needs included increasing affordable housing opportunities across transitional, mid-term, and permanent options; expanding access to supportive services such as vouchers, interim local housing, mental and physical health care, substance abuse treatment, job-seeking assistance, and intensive case management; and ensuring adequate training for law enforcement, should an ordinance be adopted.

Additional recommendations included having sufficient shelter capacity available, implementing safe parking programs, increasing the number of case workers, fencing highimpact areas, establishing clear performance metrics, and improving coordination among the City, nonprofits, and law enforcement. Additional priorities include developing a clear path for families with children experiencing homelessness, implementing humane enforcement practices, prioritizing engagement, and providing culturally sensitive services.

In addition to these ideas, concerns were raised about negative impacts of homelessness, including environmental damage to sensitive habitats, increased trash and pollution, safety hazards, public health risks, reduced accessibility in public spaces, negative visual impacts for residents and visitors, economic threats such as reduced investment, business closures, and declines in transient occupancy tax revenues, as well as increased panhandling, drug use, and crime.

DISCUSSION:

In anticipation of Priority Setting, Staff is presenting this update and exploration of the homeless encampment ordinance should City Council wish to consider as part of the upcoming priorities.
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At present, the City does not have an active ordinance to address homeless encampments and relies on a combination of existing municipal code provisions and case-by-case operational decisions to address homelessness-related issues in public spaces. This approach can result in inconsistent application, limited enforcement clarity, and challenges for staff tasked with balancing humanitarian considerations with public health and safety obligations.

Adoption of an encampment response ordinance could establish clearer standards regarding camping, storage of personal property, and use of public spaces, while defining consistent procedures for outreach, notice, and cleanup activities for both the public and individuals experiencing homelessness. Clarity could improve coordination among City departments and service providers, reduce confusion and conflict, and help balance public health, safety, accessibility, and environmental protection with respect for individual dignity. Should City Council decide to adopt the Hopeful Horizons ordinance, County will provide access to shelter availability information to determine encampment closure timeline and ordinance enforcement when appropriate. City and County staff should always maintain open communication to ensure services and resources are available and offered during an encampment closure. City staff will coordinate cleanup efforts once an encampment is inactive.

ATTACHMENT:

San Mateo County Hopeful Horizons Ordinance
54 Title 3 - PUBLIC SAFETY, MORALS AND WELFARE
Chapter 3.109 HOPEFUL HORIZONS: EMPOWERING LIVES INITIATIVE San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2026-02-23 08:11:12 [EST] (Supp. No. 47, Update 2)

Chapter 3.109 HOPEFUL HORIZONS: EMPOWERING LIVES INITIATIVE

3.109.010 Definitions.
(a) "Encampment" means any tent, makeshift structure, or accumulation of belongings in a place not meant for human habitation, belonging to at least one (1) Person, where the Person or people plan to stay in one (1) location continuously with no definite plans to move, except when such activity occurs (i) in a public area that the County has specifically set aside or clearly marked for public camping, such as a campground or picnic area, and (ii) with a valid permit, reservation, or other applicable authorization from the County. (b) "Exigent Circumstances" means there are facts and circumstances that would cause a reasonable Person to believe that, in the interest of public safety and welfare, an Encampment urgently needs to be removed with less than twenty-four (24) hours' notice.

Exigent Circumstances include, but are not limited to, material fire risk, obstructing or interfering with the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, blocking access to a parking lot of a building, or outbreak of a communicable or contagious disease. (c) "Personal effects" means Personal property consisting of any of the following items:

1. Identification/Social Security cards;

2. Medications, medical devices, eyeglasses;

3. Photos/photo albums;

4. Tax, medical or legal records;

5. Nonperishable food items; and

6. Any other reasonably usable, not overly soiled, nonverminous items that reasonably appear to have value to Persons experiencing homelessness, including tents, sleeping bags, clothes, and functional bicycles.
(d) "Shelter Location" means a public or private facility, with available space, including a bed, for an indigent, homeless individual to stay at no charge to the individual. For purposes of this Chapter, Shelter Location does not include any of the following: (a) shelter space where an individual cannot stay because the individual has exceeded a shelter's maximum stay rule; (b) shelter space that cannot reasonably accommodate the individual's mental or physical disabilities; (c) shelter space that does not permit a minor child to be housed in the same facility with at least one (1) parent or legal guardian when the individual in question has custody of a minor child; (d) shelter space for which an individual is required to attend or participate in religious activities or programs as a condition of utilizing the shelter space; or (e) shelter space that is unavailable due to the individual's sexual 55 Created: 2026-02-23 08:11:12 [EST]
(Supp. No. 47, Update 2)

orientation, gender identity or gender expression, religious affiliation, criminal convictions, or pet(s).
(Ord. No. 04887, § 1, 2-13-2024)

3.109.020 Intent.

The intent of this Chapter is to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of San Mateo County, including individuals experiencing homelessness. This Chapter addresses issues such as fire risk, unsanitary conditions, public safety hazards, and environmental degradation associated with unregulated encampments in the County. To that end, this Chapter generally prohibits the establishment of unregulated encampments on public property when there is an available Shelter Location, as defined herein. (Ord. No. 04887, § 1, 2-13-2024)

3.109.030 Encampment prohibitions.
(a) When there is an available Shelter Location for a person, it is unlawful and a public nuisance for that Person to place, erect, configure, construct, or maintain an Encampment on public property anywhere in the unincorporated area of the County. (b) Section 3.109.030(a) shall not be enforced against any Person unless that Person has declined an offer of an available Shelter Location or otherwise has access to shelter or the means to obtain it.
(Ord. No. 04887, § 1, 2-13-2024)

3.109.040 County executive authority to promulgate regulations.

The County Executive is authorized to establish standard policies, procedures, forms, and/or administrative regulations that are consistent with this Chapter in order to implement this Chapter.
(Ord. No. 04887, § 1, 2-13-2024)

3.109.050 Penalties for violations.
(a) Any Person who is in violation of this Chapter shall be given at least two (2) written warnings prior to enforcement of the violation as a misdemeanor. No initial written warning shall be given to a Person without a screening of the person's mental and physical condition. The written warnings may be issued at any time a violation is identified regardless of the duration of time between each warning, subject to the requirements of 56 Created: 2026-02-23 08:11:12 [EST]
(Supp. No. 47, Update 2)

Subsection (b) below, and regardless of the location of the Encampment. Each written warning will be issued in accordance with the County's Language Access Policy and shall provide the Person with information about at least one (1) available Shelter Location, as required by Section 3.109.030(b) and shall include a written offer of placement in such Shelter Location.
(b) Each day that an Encampment exists under Section 3.109.030(a) shall be a separate violation of this Chapter, and each written warning required under this Section 3.109.050 shall be given no more frequently than once during every 24-hour period. (c) A person who is in violation of this Chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor twenty-four (24) hours after receiving a second written warning as set forth above and failing to vacate the Encampment.
(d) If a person who violates this Chapter is subject to arrest, the arresting officer shall be permitted to seize and store the Personal Effects of the Person arrested if necessary to prevent items from being stolen or damaged and/or if deemed necessary to prevent the immediate reestablishment of an Encampment that violates this Chapter. (e) Any person charged with a misdemeanor violation under this Chapter shall be entitled to participate in any appropriate diversion programs offered by the Superior Court. (Ord. No. 04887, § 1, 2-13-2024)

3.109.060 Removal and storage of personal effects.
(a) The establishment of an Encampment that violates this Chapter is declared a public nuisance, and appropriate county representatives are authorized to remove any such encampment after providing notice and complying with the Shelter Location requirements set forth in this Chapter. Unless a seizure of Personal Effects or other items of property and arrest occur related to a misdemeanor violation, as set forth above in Section

3.109.050(d), or unless Exigent Circumstances exist, at least 72-hours' written notice shall be given before the County removes any Personal Effects belonging to anyone found to be in violation of this Chapter.
(b) Personal Effects or other items of property that pose an imminent threat to public safety or health, are contraband, are evidence of a crime, are obstructing or interfering with the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and/or are blocking access to a parking lot of a building shall not be subject to the above-described notice requirements and may be immediately removed by appropriate County staff, pursuant to law. (c) When neither Exigent Circumstances nor the circumstances described in Section

3.109.060(b) exist, prior to removing an encampment found to be in violation of this Chapter, a written notice with the following information shall be provided to the Person violating this Chapter in accordance with the County's Language Access Policy:
57 Created: 2026-02-23 08:11:12 [EST]
(Supp. No. 47, Update 2)

1. The date and time of written notice;

2. The location of the notice;

3. The following statement: "Persons in this area must vacate and remove all belongings on or before: [insert date and time to vacate]. The County will clean this site on or after the time and date specified above. Unaccompanied items are subject to removal and may be discarded or destroyed."

4. A telephone number and a physical address for individuals receiving the notice to direct questions or concerns regarding removal and storage of Personal effects, and to make requests for reasonable assistance from County representatives in the removal of Personal Effects.
(d) After the notice period has expired, at the time of removal of any Personal Effects from an Encampment, County representatives shall conspicuously post a dated notice, at or near the location from which Personal effects were removed, with the following information:

1. A statement that Personal Effects were removed;

2. A telephone number for information on retrieving Personal Effects;

3. A physical address where the Personal effects are temporarily stored and instructions for retrieving the Personal Effects;

4. A statement that Personal Effects will be stored for ninety (90) days at no cost to owner(s) of the Personal Effects.

The posting of notice required under this subsection shall not apply if the removal of Personal Effects is conducted pursuant to Section 3.109.050(d) and the arresting officer has reason to believe that all items belong to the individual(s) being arrested. In such cases, the individual(s) being arrested shall be provided with written notification of where their Personal Effects are being stored and how to retrieve them at a later date. (e) County representatives shall itemize and photograph all removed Personal Effects and place such Personal Effects in containers labeled in a manner facilitating identification by County representatives and the Owner and which reasonably protect such Personal Effects from damage or theft.
(f) Personal Effects stored by the County which are claimed within ninety (90) days from removal shall be released to the Person claiming Ownership providing they provide reasonable evidence of Ownership, including, for example, identifying the property and the approximate location where the property was left. Presentation of a governmentissued identification shall not be required to reclaim Personal Effects. (g) Personal Effects that remain unclaimed after ninety (90) days may be discarded, recycled, dedicated for public use, or given to a nonprofit agency for charitable use. (h) Where the County has a reasonable basis to believe that an Encampment has been abandoned and is not occupied, the County may promptly remove any items that 58 Created: 2026-02-23 08:11:12 [EST]
(Supp. No. 47, Update 2)

reasonably appear to be garbage. For items that do not reasonably appear to be garbage, the County may post a written "notice of apparently abandoned property" which notifies potentially interested parties that the County believes the site to be abandoned and will discard unclaimed items in no fewer than seventy-two (72) hours. In these circumstances, the County shall have no obligation to attempt to identify, remove, and/or store any unattended items that reasonably appear to have no value. If unattended items remain at an apparently abandoned site after a notice period of seventy-two (72) hours or longer, the County may discard, recycle, or donate items that remain. (Ord. No. 04887, § 1, 2-13-2024)

3.109.070 Interpretation of chapter.
(a) Nothing in this Chapter shall be interpreted or applied so as to create any requirement, power, or duty in conflict with any federal or state law. (b) Nothing in this Chapter shall be interpreted as excusing any individual from complying with other provisions of the County's Ordinance Code.
(Ord. No. 04887, § 1, 2-13-2024)
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BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY

AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: March 3, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Denise Bazzano, Interim City Attorney
Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk
TITLE: DISCUSSION REGARDING SENATE BILL (SB) 707 AND AMENDMENTS TO BROWN

ACT MEETING REQUIREMENTS
______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a report regarding SB 707, recently signed into law, which enacts major amendments to the Ralph M. Brown Act, effective January 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There will be some fiscal impacts to comply with these new requirements, including adding translation services for the agenda and additional outreach. Staff are continuing to analyze the requirements to ensure compliance.

STRATEGIC ELEMENT:

This recommendation supports the Inclusive Governance Element of the City Council’s strategic plan.

DISCUSSION:

On October 3, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 707 (Durazo) into law, enacting a significant overhaul of open meeting requirements for local governments. Although the revisions were aimed at improving access and transparency, the bill will create significant operational, fiscal, and other challenges for public agencies as they make changes to comply with these new laws.

SB 707 takes effect in two phases, January 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026, with the bulk of the requirements relating to public access, captioning, and language-translation requirements for “eligible legislative bodies” taking effect on July 1, 2026.

The Brown Act meeting requirements apply to all meetings of a “legislative body.” That term is defined in Government Code section 54952 to include, among others:
(a) The governing body of a local agency or any other local body created by state or federal statute; and
60 4897-3729-2936 v1 Page 2 of 6
(b) A commission, committee, board, or other body of a local agency, whether permanent or temporary, decision making or advisory, created by charter, ordinance, resolution, or formal action of a legislative body.

SB 707 is intended to expand public participation by requiring that meetings of an “eligible legislative body,”1 offer a hybrid meeting model where the public can remotely observe and participate in the meeting in real time.

A. Eligible Legislative Body Requirements (Applicable to City Council Only) Beginning July 1, 2026, SB 707 requires that the meetings of “eligible legislative bodies” provide the following:
• The public must be able to attend meetings and participate remotely and provide comments in real time via a “two-way telephonic” or “two-way audiovisual platform.” A “two-way telephonic” service is one that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate. A two-way audiovisual platform is defined as an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service (e.g., zoom);
• Adoption of a policy on disruptions to telephonic or internet service, which among other things, provides that the body shall recess open session for at least one hour and attempt in “good faith” to restore service;
• Reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate a public meeting into any language or wish to receive an interpretation provided by another member of the public, so long as it does not disrupt the meeting. Reasonable assistance could include arranging space for an interpreter or allowing extra time;
• Real-time captioning if “two-way audiovisual platform” is provided and if the function is included in the platform;
• Agenda translation if, according to American Community Survey, a language spoken jointly by 20% or more of the applicable population has 20% or more identified as 1 SB 707 creates a new sub-category of a legislative body, which is an “eligible legislative body,” to which certain meeting requirements will apply. An “eligible legislative body” means any of the following:
(A) A city council of a city with a population of 30,000 or more. (B) A county board of supervisors of a county, or city and county, with a population of 30,000 or more. (C) A city council of a city located in a county with a population of 600,000 or more. (D) The board of directors of a special district that has an internet website and meets any of the following conditions:
(i) The boundaries of the special district include the entirety of a county with a population of 600,000 or more, and the special district has over 200 full-time equivalent employees. (ii) The special district has over 1,000 full-time equivalent employees. (iii) The special district has annual revenues, based on the most recent Financial Transaction Report data published by the California State Controller, that exceed four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000), adjusted annually for inflation commencing January 1, 2027, as measured by the percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index from January 1 of the prior year to January 1 of the current year, and the special district employs over 200 full-time equivalent employees.
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speaking English less than “very well” (For Half Moon Bay, staff has determined that that the agenda will need to be translated into Spanish);
• A webpage “dedicated to public meetings” that includes or provides links to a general explanation of public meeting process, explanation of public comment procedures as well as procedures to provide written public comments, calendar of public meeting dates and agendas; and
• Make reasonable efforts to invite groups “that do not traditionally participate in public meetings” to attend meetings.2
Because the City of Half Moon Bay is a city located in a county with a population of 600,000 or more people, the City Council of the City of Half Moon Bay is considered an “eligible legislative body.” Thus, by July 1, 2026, the City Council meetings must conform to the requirements identified above. All other legislative bodies, such as Planning Commission, may, but are not required to, allow remote public participation by the public.

While the City Council meetings already comply with some of the new requirements, City staff will need to take steps to ensure compliance with the new regulations, to the extent that they apply, before July 1, 2026.

B. Revisions to Teleconferencing (Applicable to All Legislative Bodies) SB 707 allows—but does not require—cities to use technology that would allow all officials on legislative bodies (including the City Council) to attend a limited number of meetings annually for “just cause” from a remote location that is not noticed, open, and public.

SB 707 extends the existing Assembly Bill (AB) 2449 alternative teleconferencing provisions until January 1, 2030.3 As Council may recall, AB 2449 authorizes limited remote participation via twoway audio-video from undisclosed locations due to “just cause” and “emergency circumstances.” The Brown Act also allows remote participation under the “traditional” method which requires that the agenda disclose the remote location.

SB 707 revises the AB 2449 remote participation requirements, to do the following:
• Allow members with certain military service obligations that result in them being unable to attend in person to use this provision; • Remove the requirement for the legislative body to approve each instance a member wants to participate remotely for “emergency circumstances,” and applies the same rules for participating remotely for “just cause”4 ; and
2 Government Code § 54953.4(b) and (c).
3 Government Code § 54953.8.3(d).
4 “Just cause” circumstances under SB 707 includes caregiving/childcare for designated family members; contagious illness; physical or mental condition requiring teleconferencing; travel on official government business, including city business; care for immunocompromised family members (as specified); physical or family medical emergency; military service obligations requiring services 50 or more miles outside city. (Government Code §54953.8.3(c)(1)-(7)).
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• Requires that the minutes for the meeting identify the specific provision that each member relied upon to participate remotely (A member is not required to disclose any medical diagnosis, disability, or any personal medical information that is otherwise exempt under existing law).

If the “just cause” circumstance is utilized by an official, other requirements would apply to the conduct of the meeting such as a quorum must be in a single physical location, roll call votes must be taken during the meeting, and the teleconferencing official must disclose any adult that is in the room with the official before a vote.

Annual limits to participation under the “just cause” circumstances would also apply:
• Two meetings-if the body regularly meets monthly or less; • Five meetings-if the body regularly meets twice per month; or • Seven meetings-if the body regularly meets three or more times per month.

C. Eligible Subsidiary Body Options (Applicable Only to Purely Advisory Bodies) SB 707 provides an alternative teleconferencing option for an “eligible subsidiary body” that would allow all the members of the body to participate remotely during a meeting.5 “Eligible subsidiary bodies” are defined as bodies that 1) serve exclusively in an advisory role; and 2) cannot take final action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, entitlements, grants, or fund allocations; and 3) do not have primary subject matter jurisdiction over elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, restricting access to library materials, taxes, or related spending proposals.6
To use this alternative teleconferencing option, the legislative body that established the “eligible subsidiary body” must make specific findings by majority vote that the teleconferencing will enhance public access and promote attraction, retention, and diversity of subsidiary body members.7
For those bodies that meet the definition of “eligible subsidiary bodies,” the following meeting requirements could apply:
• One physical meeting location open to the public, with at least one staff member present. • Members may participate remotely via a two-way audiovisual connection. • Teleconferencing option must be reauthorized every six months • All teleconferencing members must participate with their camera on. 5 Government Code § 54953.8.6.
6 Government Code § 54953.8.6 (b)(1).
7 Government Code § 54953.8.6(a)(4)(A).
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D. Other Changes
SB 707 makes a number of other general amendments to the Brown Act. The more significant amendments are summarized below:
• Emergency Teleconferencing
SB 707 expands the ability of a local agency to use teleconferencing during periods of proclaimed local emergencies. Local emergency refers only to local emergencies within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction. • Social Media Usage
The Brown Act prohibits members of a legislative body from responding directly to any communication that is made, posted, or shared by any other member of the legislative body on an “internet-based social media platform”. This prohibition includes the use of digital icons that express reactions (i.e., a “like” button) to communications made by other members of the legislative body.8 SB 707 removes the sunset date and makes this prohibition indefinite.
• Disruptions
The Brown Act currently authorizes the chair of the legislative body (i.e., the Mayor) conducting a meeting or their designee to remove an individual for “disrupting” the meeting. “Disruption” is defined as engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, one of the following:
(A) A failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body pursuant to Section 54954.3 or any other law.
(B) Engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force. A “True threat of force” means a threat that has sufficient indicia of intent and seriousness, that a reasonable observer would perceive it to be an actual threat to use force by the person making the threat.

SB 707 specifies that these rules are also applicable to any teleconferenced meeting.9 • Open Meeting Compensation Discussions
The Brown Act currently requires the City Council to orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on specified forms of compensation for a local agency 8 Government Code § 54952.2(b)(3)(A) and (B).
9 Government Code § 54957.95(a)(1).
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executive, as defined, during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken. SB 707 adds department heads to the reporting requirement.10 • Copy of the Brown Act and List of Meeting Locations
SB 707 requires that an agency must provide a copy of the Brown Act to any person elected or appointed to serve as a member of a legislative body of the local agency.11 It also requires that each member of the legislative body be provided with a “list” of meeting locations “available for use by the legislative bodies to conduct their meetings.” The City Clerk has already complied with this requirement.
• ADA/Reasonable Accommodations for Members of a Legislative Body SB 707 specifies that a legislative body member with a disability may participate remotely as a reasonable accommodation under the applicable law.12 The member must use AV technology, unless a disability-related condition requires audio-only.13 The remote participation counts as in-person attendance for purposes of the quorum.14 Other teleconferencing requirements would apply, such as disclosure of whether there are any adults over 18 years of age in the room.15
E. Next Steps
Staff has already begun preparations in order to meet the July 1st deadline, focusing on:
• Evaluating staffing and technology needs for upgrades and staffing needs to comply with public participation requirements for Council meetings; • Securing agenda translation services;
• Developing a plan for outreach to encourage public participation in meetings; • Evaluating what, if any upgrades are necessary to the City’s meeting webpages and council chamber;
• Developing a disruption policy for connectivity issues; and • Training for Council, Commission/Committee members, and staff on any new procedures/requirements.

ATTACHMENTS:

California Senate Bill No. 707
10 Government code § 54953(d)(3)(A)(ii). 11 Government Code § 54952.7. 12 Government Code § 54953(c)(1). 13 Government Code § 54953(c)(2)(A). 14 Government Code § 54953(c)(3). 15 Government Code § 54953(c)(2)(B) and (c)(3). 65 Senate Bill No. 707
CHAPTER 327
An act to amend Sections 54952.7, 54953, 54953.5, 54953.7, 54954.2, 54954.3, 54956, 54956.5, 54957.6, 54957.9, and 54957.95 of, to amend and repeal Section 54952.2 of, to add Sections 54953.8, 54953.8.1, 54953.8.2, and 54957.96 to, and to add and repeal Sections 54953.4, 54953.8.3, 54953.8.4, 54953.8.5, 54953.8.6, and 54953.8.7 of, the Government Code, relating to local government.
[Approved by Governor October 3, 2025. Filed with Secretary of State October 3, 2025.]
legislative counsel’s digest
SB 707, Durazo. Open meetings: meeting and teleconference requirements.
(1)  Existing law, the Ralph M. Brown Act, requires, with specified exceptions, that all meetings of a legislative body, as defined, of a local agency be open and public and that all persons be permitted to attend and participate.

This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, and until January 1, 2030, require an eligible legislative body, as defined, to comply with additional meeting requirements, including that, except as specified, all open and public meetings include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a 2-way telephonic service or a 2-way audiovisual platform, as defined, and that the eligible legislative body take specified actions to encourage residents to participate in public meetings, as specified. The bill would require an eligible legislative body, on or before July 1, 2026, to approve at a noticed public meeting in open session a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet services occurring during meetings subject to these provisions, as specified, and would require the eligible legislative body to comply with certain requirements relating to disruption, including for certain disruptions, recessing the open session for at least one hour and making a good faith attempt to restore the service, as specified.
(2)  Existing law prohibits a majority of the members of a legislative body, outside a meeting authorized by the act, from using a series of communications of any kind to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Existing law defines “meetings” for these purposes to mean any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location, as specified, to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Until January 1, 2026, existing law excepts from the prohibition a member engaging in separate conversations or communications outside of

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a meeting with any other person using an internet-based social media platform for specified purposes, provided, among other things, that a majority of the members do not use the internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.

This bill would make the above-described exception related to communications on an internet-based social media platform applicable indefinitely.
(3)  Existing law requires a legislative body, prior to taking final action, to orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on specified forms of compensation for a local agency executive, as defined, during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken.

This bill would also require the legislative body to make that oral report, as provided above, prior to taking final action on those specified forms of compensation for a department head or other similar administrative officer of the local agency.
(4)  Existing law requires a legislative body of a local agency or its designee, at least 72 hours before a regular meeting, to post an agenda that meets specified requirements, including that the agenda contain a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, as specified.

This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, and until July 1, 2030, require the agenda for each meeting of an eligible legislative body, as defined, to be translated into all applicable languages. The bill would define “applicable languages” to mean languages, according to data from the most recent American Community Survey, spoken jointly by 20% or more of the applicable population, as specified, provided that 20% or more of the population that speaks that language that in that city or county speaks English less than “very well,” as specified, and except as provided.

Existing law requires every agenda for regular meetings to provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest of the public, as specified. Existing law specifies that the agenda is not required to provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body on any item that has already been considered by a committee, as specified, except if the item has been substantially changed since the committee heard the item, as determined by the legislative body.

This bill would add certain exceptions to the provision related to an item that has already been considered by a committee, including excepting committees whose primary subject matter jurisdiction focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals, except as specified. (5)  Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to require a copy of the act to be given to each member of the legislative body and specified persons elected to serve as a member of the legislative body, and authorizes an elected legislative body member to require a copy to be given 91 Ch. 327 — 2 —
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to each member of each legislati
ve body all or a majority of whose members
are appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body.

This bill would instead require a local agency to provide a copy of the act to any person elected or appointed to serve as a member of a legislative body of the local agency.

Existing law authorizes legislative bodies of local agencies to impose requirements upon themselves which allow greater access to their meetings than prescribed by the minimal standards set forth in the act, and authorizes an elected legislative body of a local agency to also impose those requirements on those appointed legislative bodies of the local agency of which all or a majority of the members are appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body.

This bill would remove the above-described requirement that members of an appointed legislative body of a local agency must be appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body of a local agency in order for the elected legislative body to impose the above-described requirements on the appointed legislative body.
(6)  Existing law provides any person attending an open and public meeting of a legislative body of a local agency with the right to record the proceedings with an audio or visual recorder or a still or motion picture camera, as specified.

This bill would remove the reference to an audio or visual recorder or a still or motion picture camera for purposes of recording the proceedings, as described above.
(7)  Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing, as specified, and requires a legislative body of a local agency that elects to use teleconferencing to comply with specified general requirements, including that the local agency post agendas at all teleconference locations, identify each teleconference location in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and have each teleconference location be accessible to the public. Existing law also requires that, during the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as specified.

Existing law authorizes members who are outside the jurisdiction of a health authority, as defined, that conducts a teleconferencing meeting to, notwithstanding the above-described general teleconference provisions, count towards the establishment of a quorum when participating in the teleconference if, among other things, at least 50% of the number of members that would establish a quorum are present within the boundaries of the territory over which the authority exercises jurisdiction.

Existing law authorizes, in certain circumstances, the legislative body of a local agency to use specified alternative teleconferencing which include provisions related to, among others, notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment and identifying and including an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option. Those circumstances in which 91 — 3 — Ch. 327
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the legislati
ve body of a local agency is authorized to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions include specified circumstances relating to a state of emergency, as defined, and, until January 1, 2026, subject to specified limitations, a member’s need to participate remotely due to just cause, defined to include, among other things, a need related to a physical or mental disability, or emergency circumstances, as defined, if certain quorum and disclosure requirements are met.

Existing law also authorizes certain eligible legislative bodies, including neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations to, until January 1, 2026, use alternate teleconferencing if, among other requirements, the city council or board of trustees, as applicable, has adopted an authorizing resolution and 2⁄3 of the
neighborhood city council or specified student organization, as applicable, votes to use alternate teleconference provisions, as specified.

This bill would revise and recast the above-specified teleconferencing and alternative teleconferencing provisions to uniformly apply certain noticing, disclosure, accessibility, and public commenting provisions. The bill would require a legislative body of a local agency that elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions to comply with, in addition to any other applicable requirements under the act, specified requirements, including that the legislative body provides at least either 2-way audiovisual platform or 2-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting as a means by which the public may, among other things, remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and that a member of the legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions and the specific provision of law that the member relied upon to permit their participation by teleconferencing are listed in the minutes of the meeting. The bill would require a local agency to identify and make available to legislative bodies a list of one or more meeting locations that may be available for use by the legislative bodies to conduct their meetings.

The bill would specify that nothing in the bill’s provisions is to be construed to prohibit a member of a legislative body with a disability, as defined, from participating in any meeting of the legislative body by remote participation as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law. The bill would apply certain provisions relative to, among other things, quorum establishment to that circumstance.

The bill would instead authorize a health authority, as defined, to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable in a state of emergency, as defined. The bill would also include a local emergency, as defined, as a circumstance in which a legislative body of a local agency is authorized to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable in cases of a member’s need to participate remotely due to just 91 Ch. 327 — 4 —
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cause or emergency circumstances, as defined, to remo
ve the provision
applicable to emergency circumstances, to revise related definitions, including broadening the definition of just cause to include, among other things, a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person, and to require the minutes for a meeting to identify the specific provision of law that each member relied upon to participate remotely, as specified. The bill would extend the authorization to use the alternative teleconferencing provision until January 1, 2030.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations. In regards to the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to student body associations and student-run community college organizations, the bill would exempt the California Online Community College from specified requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations under the authorization, and remove the ability for a person with a disability that requires certain accommodations to count towards the in-person quorum requirement. The bill would specify that the student body associations and student-run community college organizations described above are those in any community college recognized within the California Community Colleges system, and would extend the authorization to the Student Senate for California Community Colleges. The bill would extend the authorization to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations until January 1, 2030.

The bill would, until January 1, 2030, also authorize a specified subsidiary body of local agencies to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions, provided that it complies with the requirements for alternative teleconferencing described above and additional requirements, including that the subsidiary body designates one physical meeting location within the boundaries of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body where members of the subsidiary body who are not participating remotely shall be present and members of the public may physically attend, observe, hear, and participate in the meeting, as specified.

The bill would, until January 1, 2030, also authorize specified multijurisdictional bodies of local agencies to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions, provided that it complies with the requirements for alternative teleconferencing described above and additional requirements, including that the eligible multijurisdictional body has adopted a resolution that authorizes the multijurisdictional body to use teleconferencing at a regular meeting in open session.

The bill would specify that these teleconferencing provisions are cumulative, and would authorize a legislative body to elect to use any teleconferencing provisions that are applicable to a meeting, regardless of 91 — 5 — Ch. 327
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whether any other teleconferencing provisions would also be applicable to that meeting.

Existing law defines “teleconference” for purposes of the authorization for a legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing to mean a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.

This bill would specify that “teleconference” does not include the attendance of one or more members of a legislative body in a meeting of the body solely by watching or listening via webcasting or any other similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively speak, discuss, or deliberate on matters.
(8)  Existing law authorizes a special meeting to be called any time by, among other persons, the presiding officer of the legislative body of a local agency, by delivering specified written notices and posting a notice on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. Existing law requires specified legislative bodies to comply with the internet website posting requirement.

The bill would remove the requirement that only specified legislative bodies comply with the internet website posting requirement, thereby imposing that requirement on all legislative bodies.
(9)  Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to hold an emergency meeting without complying with specified notice and posting requirements in the case of emergency circumstances, as specified, and imposes various requirements under these provisions applicable to either legislative bodies generally or legislative bodies which are a school board.

This bill would remove the school board distinction from the above-described provisions, thereby imposing the same requirements to hold an emergency meeting on all legislative bodies of local agencies.

By imposing additional duties on legislative bodies of local agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(10)  Existing law authorizes, in addition to other related specified authorizations, the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting or their designee to remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Existing law defines “disrupting” for these purposes to mean engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, as specified.

This bill would specify that a meeting for purposes of that provision includes any teleconferenced meeting. The bill would specify that the existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding officer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, as specified, applies to members of the public participating in a meeting via a 2-way telephonic service or a 2-way audiovisual platform, as those terms are defined.
(11)  The bill would make other updates to references in the act. 91 Ch. 327 — 6 —
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(12)  Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.

This bill would make legislative findings to that effect. (13)  The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies, to comply with a statutory enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to public records or open meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose.

This bill would make legislative findings to that effect. (14)  The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities. (15)  The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 54952.2 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 89 of the Statutes of 2020, is amended to read:
54952.2. (a)  As used in this chapter, “meeting” means any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location, including teleconference location as permitted by Section 54953, to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.
(b)  (1)  A majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.
(2)  Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as preventing an employee or official of a local agency, from engaging in separate conversations or communications outside of a meeting authorized by this chapter with members of a legislative body in order to answer questions or provide information regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency, if that person does not communicate to members of the legislative body the comments or position of any other member or members of the legislative body.
(3)  (A)  Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as preventing a member of the legislative body from engaging in separate conversations or communications on an internet-based social media platform to answer 91 — 7 — Ch. 327
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questions, provide information to the public, or to solicit information from the public regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body provided that a majority of the members of the legislative body do not use the internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. A member of the legislative body shall not respond directly to any communication on an internet-based social media platform regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body that is made, posted, or shared by any other member of the legislative body.
(B)  For purposes of this paragraph, all of the following definitions shall apply:
(i)  “Discuss among themselves” means communications made, posted, or shared on an internet-based social media platform between members of a legislative body, including comments or use of digital icons that express reactions to communications made by other members of the legislative body. (ii)  “Internet-based social media platform” means an online service that is open and accessible to the public.
(iii)  “Open and accessible to the public” means that members of the general public have the ability to access and participate, free of charge, in the social media platform without the approval by the social media platform or a person or entity other than the social media platform, including any forum and chatroom, and cannot be blocked from doing so, except when the internet-based social media platform determines that an individual violated its protocols or rules.
(c)  Nothing in this section shall impose the requirements of this chapter upon any of the following:
(1)  Individual contacts or conversations between a member of a legislative body and any other person that do not violate subdivision (b). (2)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a conference or similar gathering open to the public that involves a discussion of issues of general interest to the public or to public agencies of the type represented by the legislative body, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a specified nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to allow members of the public free admission to a conference or similar gathering at which the organizers have required other participants or registrants to pay fees or charges as a condition of attendance. (3)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and publicized meeting organized to address a topic of local community concern by a person or organization other than the local agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
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(4)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislati ve body at
an open and noticed meeting of another body of the local agency, or at an open and noticed meeting of a legislative body of another local agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled meeting, business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
(5)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a purely social or ceremonial occasion, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
(6)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and noticed meeting of a standing committee of that body, provided that the members of the legislative body who are not members of the standing committee attend only as observers.

SEC. 2. Section 54952.2 of the Government Code, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 89 of the Statutes of 2020, is repealed.

SEC. 3. Section 54952.7 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54952.7. A local agency shall provide a copy of this chapter to any person elected or appointed to serve as a member of a legislative body of the local agency.

SEC. 4. Section 54953 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 2 of Chapter 534 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
54953. (a)  All meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the legislative body of a local agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b)  (1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing for the benefit of the public and the legislative body of a local agency in connection with any meeting or proceeding authorized by law. The teleconferenced meeting or proceeding shall comply with all otherwise applicable requirements of this chapter and all otherwise applicable provisions of law relating to a specific type of meeting or proceeding.
(2)  Teleconferencing, as authorized by this section, may be used for all purposes in connection with any meeting within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, the legislative body of a local agency shall comply with all of the following:
(A)  All votes taken during a teleconferenced meeting shall be by rollcall. (B)  The teleconferenced meetings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties or the public appearing before the legislative body of a local agency. (C)  The legislative body shall give notice of the meeting and post agendas as otherwise required by this chapter.
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(D)  The legislati
ve body shall allow members of the public to access the meeting and the agenda shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3. (3)  If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, it shall post agendas at all teleconference locations. Each teleconference location shall be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and each teleconference location shall be accessible to the public. During the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as expressly provided in this chapter.
(4)  The teleconferencing requirements of this subdivision shall not apply to remote participation described in subdivision (c).
(c)  (1)  Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a member of a legislative body with a disability from participating in any meeting of the legislative body by remote participation as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law.
(2)  A member of a legislative body participating in a meeting by remote participation pursuant to this subdivision shall do both of the following:
(A)  The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology, except that any member with a disability, as defined in Section 12102 of Title 42 of the United States Code, may participate only through audio technology if a physical condition related to their disability results in a need to participate off camera.
(B)  The member shall disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with any of those individuals.
(3)  Remote participation under this subdivision shall be treated as in-person attendance at the physical meeting location for all purposes, including any requirement that a quorum of the legislative body participate from any particular location. The provisions of subdivision (b) and Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, inclusive, shall not apply to remote participation under this subdivision.
(d)  (1)  No legislative body shall take action by secret ballot, whether preliminary or final.
(2)  The legislative body of a local agency shall publicly report any action taken and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action.
(3)  (A)  Prior to taking final action, the legislative body shall orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of either of the following during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken:
(i)  A local agency executive, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1.
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(ii)  A department head or other similar administrati
ve officer of the local
agency.
(B)  This paragraph shall not affect the public’s right under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1) to inspect or copy records created or received in the process of developing the recommendation.
(e)  For purposes of this section, both of the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Disability” means a physical disability or a mental disability as those terms are defined in Section 12926 and used in Section 12926.1, or a disability as defined in Section 12102 of Title 42 of the United States Code. (2)  (A)  “Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.
(B)  Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), “teleconference” does not include one or more members watching or listening to a meeting via webcasting or any other similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively speak, discuss, or deliberate on matters. (3)  “Remote participation” means participation in a meeting by teleconference at a location other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting.

SEC. 5. Section 54953.4 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.4. (a)  The Legislature finds and declares that public access, including through translation of agendas as required by this section, is necessary for an informed populace. The Legislature encourages local agencies to adopt public access requirements that exceed the requirements of this chapter by translating additional languages, employing human translators, and conducting additional outreach.
(b)  (1)  In addition to any other applicable requirements of this chapter, a meeting held by a eligible legislative body pursuant to this chapter shall comply with both of the following requirements:
(A)  (i)  (I)  (ia)  All open and public meetings shall include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform, except if adequate telephonic or internet service is not operational at the meeting location. If adequate telephonic or internet service is operational at the meeting location during only a portion of the meeting, the legislative body shall include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform during that portion of the meeting. (ib)  (Ia)  On or before July 1, 2026, an eligible legislative body shall approve at a noticed public meeting in open session, not on the consent calendar, a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet service occurring during meetings subject to this sub-subclause. The policy shall address the procedures for recessing and reconvening a meeting in the event of disruption and the efforts that the eligible legislative body shall make to attempt to restore the service.
(Ib)  If a disruption of telephonic or internet service that prevents members of the public from attending or observing the meeting via the two-way 91 — 11 — Ch. 327
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telephonic service or two-way audiovisual platform occurs during the meeting, the eligible legislative body shall recess the open session of the meeting for at least one hour and make a good faith attempt to restore the service. The eligible legislative body may meet in closed session during this period. The eligible legislative body shall not reconvene the open session of the meeting until at least one hour following the disruption, or until telephonic or internet service is restored, whichever is earlier. (Ic)  Upon reconvening the open session, if telephonic or internet service has not been restored, the eligible legislative body shall adopt a finding by rollcall vote that good faith efforts to restore the telephonic or internet service have been made in accordance with the policy adopted pursuant to sub-sub-subclause (Ia) and that the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote public access.
(II)  Subclause (I) does not apply to a meeting that is held to do any of the following:
(ia)  Attend a judicial or administrative proceeding to which the local agency is a party.
(ib)  Inspect real or personal property provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the real or personal property. (ic)  Meet with elected or appointed officials of the United States or the State of California, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction.
(id)  Meet in or nearby a facility owned by the agency, provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the facility. (ie)  Meet in an emergency situation pursuant to Section 54956.5. (ii)  If an eligible legislative body elects to provide a two-way audiovisual platform, the eligible legislative body shall publicly post and provide a call-in option, and activate any automatic captioning function during the meeting if an automatic captioning function is included with the two-way audiovisual platform. If an eligible legislative body does not elect to provide a two-way audiovisual platform, the eligible legislative body shall provide a two-way telephonic service for the public to participate in the meeting, pursuant to subclause (I).
(B)  (i)  All open and public meetings for which attendance via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform is provided in accordance with paragraph (1) shall provide the public with an opportunity to provide public comment in accordance with Section 54954.3 via the two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platform, and ensure the opportunity for the members of the public participating via a two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platform to provide public comment with the same time allotment as a person attending a meeting in person. (2)  (A)  An eligible legislative body shall reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate a public meeting into any language or wish to receive interpretation provided by another member of the public, so long as the interpretation is not disrupting to the meeting, as defined in Section 54957.95. The eligible legislative body shall publicize instructions on how 91 Ch. 327 — 12 —
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to request assistance under this subdivision. Assistance may include any of the following, as determined by the eligible legislative body:
(i)  Arranging space for one or more interpreters at the meeting location. (ii)  Allowing extra time during the meeting for interpretation to occur. (iii)  Ensuring participants may utilize their personal equipment or reasonably access facilities for participants to access commercially available interpretation services.
(B)  This section does not require an eligible legislative body to provide interpretation of any public meeting, however, an eligible legislative body may elect to provide interpretation of any public meeting. (C)  The eligible legislative body is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any interpretation facilitated, assisted with, or provided under this subdivision. An action shall not be commenced or maintained against the eligible legislative body arising from the content or accuracy of any interpretation facilitated, assisted with, or provided under this subdivision. (3)  An eligible legislative body shall take the following actions to encourage residents, including those in underrepresented communities and non-English-speaking communities, to participate in public meetings:
(A)  Have in place a system for electronically accepting and fulfilling requests for meeting agendas and documents pursuant to Section 54954.1 through email or through an integrated agenda management platform.

Information about how to make a request using this system shall be accessible through a prominent direct link posted on the primary internet website home page of the eligible legislative body.
(B)  (i)  Create and maintain an accessible internet webpage dedicated to public meetings that includes, or provides a link to, all of the following information:
(I)  A general explanation of the public meeting process for the eligible legislative body.
(II)  An explanation of the procedures for a member of the public to provide in-person or remote oral public comment during a public meeting or to submit written public comment.
(III)  A calendar of all public meeting dates with calendar listings that include the date, time, and location of each public meeting. (IV)  The agenda posted online pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 54954.2.
(ii)  The eligible legislative body shall include a link to the webpage required by subparagraph (A) on the home page of the eligible legislative body’s internet website.
(C)  (i)  Make reasonable efforts, as determined by the legislative body, to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings to attend those meetings, which may include, but are not limited to, all the following:
(I)  Media organizations that provide news coverage in the jurisdiction of the eligible legislative body, including media organizations that serve non-English-speaking communities.
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(II)  Good go
vernment, civil rights, civic engagement, neighborhood, and community group organizations, or similar organizations that are active in the jurisdiction of the eligible legislative body, including organizations active in non-English-speaking communities.
(ii)  Legislative bodies shall have broad discretion in the choice of reasonable efforts they make under this subparagraph. No action shall be commenced or maintained against an eligible legislative body arising from failing to provide public meeting information to any specific group pursuant to this subparagraph.
(c)  (1)  (A)  The agenda for each meeting of an eligible legislative body shall be translated into all applicable languages, and each translation shall be posted in accordance with Section 54954.2. Each translation shall include instructions in the applicable language describing how to join the meeting by the telephonic or internet-based service option, including any requirements for registration for public comment.
(B)  The accessible internet webpage provided under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be translated into all applicable languages, and each translation shall be accessible through a prominent direct link posted on the primary internet website home page of the eligible legislative body.
(2)  A translation made using a digital translation service shall satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1).
(3)  The eligible legislative body shall make available a physical location that is freely accessible to the public in reasonable proximity to the physical location in which the agenda and translations are posted as described in paragraph (1), and shall allow members of the public to post additional translations of the agenda in that location.
(4)  The eligible legislative body is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any translation provided pursuant to this subdivision. No action shall be commenced or maintained against an eligible legislative body arising from the content, accuracy, posting, or removal of any translation provided by the eligible legislative body or posted by any person pursuant to this subdivision.
(5)  For the purposes of this section, the agenda does not include the entire agenda packet.
(d)  This section shall not be construed to affect or supersede any other applicable civil rights, nondiscrimination, or public access laws. (e)  For purposes of this section, all of the following definitions apply:
(1)  (A)  “Applicable languages” means languages, according to data from the most recent American Community Survey, spoken jointly by 20 percent or more of the applicable population, provided that 20 percent or more of the population that speaks that language in that city or county speaks English less than “very well.”
(B)  For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the applicable population shall be determined as follows:
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(i)
For an eligible legislative body that is a city council or county board of supervisors, the applicable population shall be the population of the city or county.
(ii)  For an eligible legislative body of a special district, the applicable population shall be either of the following, at the discretion of the board of directors of the special district:
(I)  The population of the county with the greatest population within the boundaries of the special district.
(II)  The population of the service area of the special district, if the special district has the data to determine what languages spoken by the population within its service area meet the requirements of paragraph (A). (C)  If more than three languages meet the criteria set forth in subparagraph (A), “applicable languages” shall mean the three languages described in subparagraph (A) that are spoken by the largest percentage of the population.
(D)  An eligible legislative body may elect to determine the applicable languages based upon a source other than the most recent American Community Survey if it makes a finding, based upon substantial evidence, that the other source provides equally or more reliable data for the territory over which the eligible legislative body exercises jurisdiction. (2)  “Eligible legislative body” means any of the following:
(A)  A city council of a city with a population of 30,000 or more. (B)  A county board of supervisors of a county, or city and county, with a population of 30,000 or more.
(C)  A city council of a city located in a county with a population of 600,000 or more.
(D)  The board of directors of a special district that has an internet website and meets any of the following conditions:
(i)  The boundaries of the special district include the entirety of a county with a population of 600,000 or more, and the special district has over 200 full-time equivalent employees.
(ii)  The special district has over 1,000 full-time equivalent employees. (iii)  The special district has annual revenues, based on the most recent Financial Transaction Report data published by the California State Controller, that exceed four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000), adjusted annually for inflation commencing January 1, 2027, as measured by the percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index from January 1 of the prior year to January 1 of the current year, and the special district employs over 200 full-time equivalent employees.
(3)  “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. (4)  “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.
(f)  This section shall become operative on July 1, 2026. 91 — 15 — Ch. 327
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(g)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 6. Section 54953.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54953.5. (a)  Any person attending an open and public meeting of a legislative body of a local agency shall have the right to record the proceedings in the absence of a reasonable finding by the legislative body of the local agency that the recording cannot continue without noise, illumination, or obstruction of view that constitutes, or would constitute, a persistent disruption of the proceedings.
(b)  Any recording of an open and public meeting made for whatever purpose by or at the direction of the local agency shall be subject to inspection pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1), but, notwithstanding Section 34090, may be erased or destroyed 30 days after the recording. Any inspection of an audio or video recording shall be provided without charge on equipment made available by the local agency.

SEC. 7. Section 54953.7 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54953.7. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, legislative bodies of local agencies may impose requirements upon themselves which allow greater access to their meetings than prescribed by the minimal standards set forth in this chapter. In addition thereto, an elected legislative body of a local agency may impose those requirements on appointed legislative bodies of the local agency.

SEC. 8. Section 54953.8 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8. (a)  The legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing as authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54953 without complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953 in any of the circumstances described in Sections 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7, inclusive.
(b)  A legislative body that holds a teleconference meeting pursuant to this section shall, in addition to any other applicable requirements of this chapter, comply with all of the following:
(1)  The legislative body shall provide at least one of the following as a means by which the public may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body:
(A)  A two-way audiovisual platform.
(B)  A two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. (2)  In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconference meeting held pursuant to this section is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option.
(3)  In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the 91 Ch. 327 — 16 —
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local agency’s control that pre
vents members of the public from offering
public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
(4)  The legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time. (5)  Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate. (6)  (A)  A legislative body that provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register, pursuant to paragraph (5), to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed. (B)  A legislative body that does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register pursuant to paragraph (5), or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment.
(C)  A legislative body that provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond to a specific agenda item shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, pursuant to paragraph (5), until the timed general public comment period has elapsed. (7)  Any member of the legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to this section and the specific provision of law that the member relied upon to permit their participation by teleconferencing shall be listed in the minutes of the meeting. (8)  The legislative body shall have and implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility. In each instance in which notice of the time of the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the procedure for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation.
(9)  The legislative body shall conduct meetings subject to this chapter consistent with applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination laws. (c)  A local agency shall identify and make available to legislative bodies a list of one or more meeting locations that may be available for use by the legislative bodies to conduct their meetings.
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(d)  (1)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislati ve body from
providing the public with additional teleconference locations. (2)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional physical locations in which the public may observe and address the legislative body by electronic means.
(e)  A member of a legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to this section shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with those individuals.
(f)  The teleconferencing provisions described in Section 54953 and Sections 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7, inclusive, are cumulative. A legislative body may elect to use any teleconferencing provisions that are applicable to a meeting, regardless of whether any other teleconferencing provisions would also be applicable to that meeting.
(g)  For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Remote location” means a location from which a member of a legislative body participates in a meeting pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b), other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Remote locations need not be accessible to the public. (2)  “Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.
(3)  “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for the public participants.
(4)  “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.
(5)  “Webcasting” means a streaming video broadcast online or on television, using streaming media technology to distribute a single content source to many simultaneous listeners and viewers.

SEC. 9. Section 54953.8.1 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.1. (a)  A health authority may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section.
(b)  Nothing in this section or Section 54953.8 shall be construed as discouraging health authority members from regularly meeting at a common physical site within the jurisdiction of the authority or from using teleconference locations within or near the jurisdiction of the authority. (c)  For purposes of this section, a health authority means any entity created pursuant to Sections 14018.7, 14087.31, 14087.35, 14087.36, 14087.38, and 14087.9605 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, any joint powers authority created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 91 Ch. 327 — 18 —
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6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 for the purpose of contracting pursuant to Section 14087.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and any advisory committee to a county-sponsored health plan licensed pursuant to Chapter

2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code if the advisory committee has 12 or more members.

SEC. 10. Section 54953.8.2 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.2. (a)  A legislative body of a local agency may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 during a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and the teleconferencing is used in either of the following circumstances:
(1)  For the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
(2)  After a determination described in paragraph (1) is made that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
(b)  If the state of emergency or local emergency remains active, in order to continue to teleconference pursuant to this section, the legislative body shall, no later than 45 days after teleconferencing for the first time pursuant to this section, and every 45 days thereafter, make the following findings by majority vote:
(1)  The legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency or local emergency.
(2)  The state of emergency or local emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person. (c)  This section shall not be construed to require the legislative body to provide a physical location from which the public may attend or comment. (d)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953.8, a legislative body conducting a teleconference meeting pursuant to this section may elect to use a two-way telephonic service without a live webcasting of the meeting.
(e)  For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Local emergency” means a condition of extreme peril to persons or property proclaimed by the governing body of the local agency affected, in accordance with Section 8630 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2), as defined in Section 8680.9, or a local health emergency declared pursuant to Section 101080 of the Health and Safety Code. Local emergency, as used in this section, refers only to local emergencies in the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction. (2)  “State of emergency” means state of emergency proclaimed pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2).

SEC. 11. Section 54953.8.3 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.3. (a)  A legislative body of a local agency may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 if, during the 91 — 19 — Ch. 327
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teleconference meeting, at least a quorum of the members of the legislati ve
body participates in person from a singular physical location clearly identified on the agenda, which location shall be open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, provided that the legislative body complies with the requirements of Section 54953.8 and all of the following additional requirements:
(1)  A member of the legislative body notifies the legislative body at the earliest opportunity possible, including at the start of a regular meeting, of their need to participate remotely for just cause, including a general description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting.
(2)  The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology.
(3)  (A)  The provisions of this subdivision shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for just cause for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
(i)  Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.
(ii)  Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month.
(iii)  Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month.
(B)  For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
(b)  The minutes for the meeting shall identify the specific provision in subdivision (c) that each member relied upon to participate remotely. This subdivision shall not be construed to require the member to disclose any medical diagnosis or disability, or any personal medical information that is otherwise exempt under existing law, including, but not limited to, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 56) of Part 2.6 of Division 1 of the Civil Code). (c)  For purposes of this section, “just cause” means any of the following:
(1)  Childcare or caregiving need of a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. “Child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms do in Section 12945.2. (2)  A contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person. (3)  A need related to a physical or mental condition that is not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953.
(4)  Travel while on official business of the legislative body or another state or local agency.
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(5)  An immunocompromised child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the member that requires the member to participate remotely.
(6)  A physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person.
(7)  Military service obligations that result in a member being unable to attend in person because they are serving under official written orders for active duty, drill, annual training, or any other duty required as a member of the California National Guard or a United States Military Reserve organization that requires the member to be at least 50 miles outside the boundaries of the local agency.
(d)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 12. Section 54953.8.4 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.4. (a)  An eligible neighborhood council may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following have occurred:
(1)  (A)  The city council for a city described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) considers whether to adopt a resolution to authorize eligible neighborhood councils to use teleconferencing as described in this section at an open and regular meeting.
(B)  If the city council adopts a resolution described in subparagraph (A), an eligible neighborhood council may elect to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section if a majority of the eligible neighborhood council votes to do so. The eligible neighborhood council shall notify the city council if it elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section and its justification for doing so.
(C)  Upon receiving notification from an eligible neighborhood council described in subparagraph (B), the city council may adopt a resolution to prohibit the eligible neighborhood council from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section.
(2)  After completing the requirements of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), an eligible neighborhood council that holds a meeting pursuant to this subdivision shall do all of the following:
(A)  At least a quorum of the members of the eligible neighborhood council shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the city in which the eligible neighborhood council is established. (B)  At least once per year, at least a quorum of the members of the eligible neighborhood council shall participate in person from a singular physical location that is open to the public and within the boundaries of the eligible neighborhood council.
(3)  If the meeting is during regular business hours of the offices of the city council member that represents the area that includes the eligible neighborhood council, the eligible neighborhood council shall provide a publicly accessible physical location from which the public may attend or comment, which shall be the offices of the city council member who 91 — 21 — Ch. 327
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represents the area where the eligible neighborhood council is located, unless the eligible neighborhood council identifies an alternative location. (4)  If the meeting is outside regular business hours, the eligible neighborhood council shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate any member of the public that requests an accommodation to participate in the meeting.
(b)  For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Accommodation” means providing a publicly accessible physical location for the member of the public to participate from, providing access to technology necessary to participate in the meeting, or identifying locations or resources available that could provide the member of the public with an opportunity to participate in the meeting.
(2)  “Eligible neighborhood council” means a neighborhood council that is an advisory body with the purpose to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs that is established pursuant to the charter of a city with a population of more than 3,000,000 people that is subject to this chapter.
(c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 13. Section 54953.8.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.5. (a)  An eligible community college student organization may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1)  An eligible community college student organization may only use teleconferencing as described in Section 54953.8 after all the following have occurred:
(A)  The board of trustees for a community college district considers whether to adopt a resolution to authorize eligible community college student organizations to use teleconferencing as described in this section at an open and regular meeting.
(B)  If the board of trustees for a community college district adopts a resolution described in subparagraph (A), an eligible community college student organization may elect to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section if a majority of the eligible community college student organization votes to do so. The eligible community college student organization shall notify the board of trustees if it elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section and its justification for doing so.
(C)  Upon receiving notification from an eligible community college student organization as described in subparagraph (B), the board of trustees may adopt a resolution to prohibit the eligible community college student organization from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section. (D)  (i)  Except as specified in clause (ii), at least a quorum of the members of the eligible community college student organization shall participate from a singular physical location that is accessible to the public and is within the community college district in which the eligible community college student organization is established.
91 Ch. 327 — 22 —
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(ii)  The requirements described in clause (i) shall not apply to the California Online Community College.
(iii)  Notwithstanding the requirements of clause (i), a person may count toward the establishment of a quorum pursuant to clause (i) regardless of whether the person is participating at the in-person location of the meeting or remotely if the person meets any of the following criteria:
(I)  The person is under 18 years of age.
(II)  The person is incarcerated.
(III)  The person is unable to disclose the location that they are participating from because of either of the following circumstances:
(ia)  The person has been issued a protective court order, including, but not limited to, a domestic violence restraining order.
(ib)  The person is participating in a program that has to remain confidential, including, but not limited to, an independent living program. (IV)  The person provides childcare or caregiving to a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. For purposes of this subclause, “child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms are defined in Section 12945.2.
(2)  An eligible community college student organization that holds a meeting by teleconference as described in Section 54953.8 shall do the following, as applicable:
(A)  (i)  Except as specified in subparagraph (B), if the meeting is during regular business hours of the offices of the board of trustees of the community college district, the eligible community college student organization shall provide a publicly accessible physical location from which the public may attend or comment, which shall be the offices of the board of trustees of the community college district, unless the eligible community college student organization identifies an alternative location. (ii)  Except as specified in subparagraph (B), if the meeting is outside regular business hours, the eligible community college student organization shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate any member of the public that requests an accommodation to participate in the meeting. For the purposes of this subparagraph, “accommodation” means providing a publicly accessible physical location for the member of the public to participate from, providing access to technology necessary to participate in the meeting, or identifying locations or resources available that could provide the member of the public with an opportunity to participate in the meeting. (B)  The requirements described in subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the California Online Community College.
(b)  For purposes of this section, “eligible community college student organization” means a student body association organized pursuant to Section 76060 of the Education Code, or any other student-run community college organization that is required to comply with the meeting requirements of this chapter, that is in any community college recognized within the California Community Colleges system and includes the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.
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(c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 14. Section 54953.8.6 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.6. (a)  An eligible subsidiary body may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1)  The eligible subsidiary body shall designate one physical meeting location within the boundaries of the legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body where members of the subsidiary body who are not participating remotely shall be present and members of the public may physically attend, observe, hear, and participate in the meeting. At least one staff member of the eligible subsidiary body or the legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body shall be present at the physical meeting location during the meeting. The eligible subsidiary body shall post the agenda at the physical meeting location, but need not post the agenda at a remote location.
(2)  (A)  A member of the eligible subsidiary body shall visibly appear on camera during the open portion of a meeting that is publicly accessible via the internet or other online platform, except if the member has a physical or mental condition not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953 that results in a need to participate off camera.
(B)  The visual appearance of a member of the eligible subsidiary body on camera may cease only when the appearance would be technologically infeasible, including, but not limited to, when the member experiences a lack of reliable broadband or internet connectivity that would be remedied by joining without video.
(C)  If a member of the eligible subsidiary body does not appear on camera due to challenges with internet connectivity, the member shall announce the reason for their nonappearance prior to turning off their camera. (3)  An elected official serving as a member of an eligible subsidiary body in their official capacity shall not participate in a meeting of the eligible subsidiary body by teleconferencing pursuant to this section unless the use of teleconferencing complies with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953.
(4)  (A)  In order to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section, the legislative body that established the eligible subsidiary body by charter, ordinance, resolution, or other formal action shall make the following findings by majority vote before the eligible subsidiary body uses teleconferencing pursuant to this section for the first time, and every six months thereafter:
(i)  The legislative body has considered the circumstances of the eligible subsidiary body.
(ii)  Teleconference meetings of the eligible subsidiary body would enhance public access to meetings of the eligible subsidiary body, and the public has been made aware of the type of remote participation, including audio-visual or telephonic, that will be made available at a regularly scheduled meeting and has been provided the opportunity to comment at 91 Ch. 327 — 24 —
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an in-person meeting of the legislati
ve body authorizing the subsidiary body
to meet entirely remotely.
(iii)  Teleconference meetings of the eligible subsidiary body would promote the attraction, retention, and diversity of eligible subsidiary body members.
(B)  (i)  An eligible subsidiary body authorized to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section may request to present any recommendations it develops to the legislative body that created it.
(ii)  Upon receiving a request described in clause (i), the legislative body that created the subsidiary body shall hold a discussion at a regular meeting held within 60 days after the legislative body receives the request, or if the legislative body does not have another regular meeting scheduled within 60 days after the legislative body receives the request, at the next regular meeting after the request is received.
(iii)  The discussion required by clause (ii) shall not be placed on a consent calendar, but may be combined with the legislative body’s subsequent consideration of the findings described in subparagraph (A) for the following 12 months.
(iv)  The legislative body shall not take any action on any recommendations included in the report of a subsidiary body until the next regular meeting of the legislative body following the discussion described in clause (ii).
(C)  After the legislative body makes the findings described in subparagraph (A), the eligible subsidiary body shall approve the use of teleconferencing by majority vote before using teleconference pursuant to this section.
(D)  The legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body may elect to prohibit the eligible subsidiary body from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section at any time.
(b)  (1)  For purposes of this section, “eligible subsidiary body” means a legislative body that meets all of the following:
(A)  Is described in subdivision (b) of Section 54952.
(B)  Serves exclusively in an advisory capacity.
(C)  Is not authorized to take final action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or any other entitlements, grants, or allocations of funds.
(D)  Does not have primary subject matter jurisdiction, as defined by the charter, an ordinance, a resolution, or any formal action of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body, that focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals. (2)  An eligible subsidiary body may include members who are elected officials, members who are not elected officials, or any combination thereof. (c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 15. Section 54953.8.7 is added to the Government Code, to read:
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54953.8.7. (a)  An eligible multijurisdictional body may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1)  The eligible multijurisdictional body has adopted a resolution that authorizes the eligible multijurisdictional body to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section at a regular meeting in open session. (2)  At least a quorum of the members of the eligible multijurisdictional body shall participate from one or more physical locations that are open to the public and within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction.
(3)  A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body who receives compensation for their service on the eligible multijurisdictional body shall participate from a physical location that is open to the public. For purposes of this paragraph, “compensation” does not include reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses.
(4)  A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body may participate from a remote location provided that:
(A)  The eligible multijurisdictional body identifies each member of the eligible multijurisdictional body who plans to participate remotely in the agenda.
(B)  The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology.
(5)  A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body shall not participate in a meeting remotely pursuant to this section, unless the location from which the member participates is more than 20 miles each way from any physical location of the meeting described in paragraph (2). (6)  The provisions of this section shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
(A)  Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.
(B)  Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month.
(C)  Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month.
(D)  For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
(b)  For the purposes of this section, both of the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Eligible multijurisdictional body” means a multijurisdictional board, commission, or advisory body of a multijurisdictional, cross-county agency, the membership of which board, commission, or advisory body is appointed, 91 Ch. 327 — 26 —
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and the board, commission, or advisory body is otherwise subject to this chapter.
(2)  “Multijurisdictional” means either of the following:
(A)  A legislative body that includes representatives from more than one county, city, city and county, or special district.
(B)  A legislative body of a joint powers entity formed pursuant to an agreement entered into in accordance with Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1.
(c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 16. Section 54954.2 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 92 of Chapter 131 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
54954.2. (a)  (1)  At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda that meets all of the following requirements:
(A)  The agenda shall contain a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words.
(B)  The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular meeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one.
(C)  (i)  If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. (ii)  The agenda shall include information regarding how, to whom, and when a request for disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, may be made by a person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in the public meeting.
(2)  For a meeting occurring on and after January 1, 2019, of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website, the following provisions shall apply:
(A)  An online posting of an agenda shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that is accessible through a prominent, direct link to the current agenda. The direct link to the agenda shall not be in a contextual menu; however, a link in addition to the direct link to the agenda may be accessible through a contextual menu. (B)  An online posting of an agenda, including, but not limited to, an agenda posted in an integrated agenda management platform, shall be posted in an open format that meets all of the following requirements:
(i)  Retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically searchable by commonly used internet search applications.
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(ii)  Platform independent and machine readable.
(iii)  Available to the public free of charge and without any restriction that would impede the reuse or redistribution of the agenda. (C)  A legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website and an integrated agenda management platform shall not be required to comply with subparagraph (A) if all of the following are met:
(i)  A direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state. The direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall not be in a contextual menu. When a person clicks on the direct link to the integrated agenda management platform, the direct link shall take the person directly to an internet website with the agendas of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(ii)  The integrated agenda management platform may contain the prior agendas of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state for all meetings occurring on or after January 1, 2019.
(iii)  The current agenda of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state shall be the first agenda available at the top of the integrated agenda management platform.
(iv)  All agendas posted in the integrated agenda management platform shall comply with the requirements in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B).
(D)  The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a political subdivision of a local agency that was established by the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(E)  For purposes of this paragraph, both of the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Integrated agenda management platform” means an internet website of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state dedicated to providing the entirety of the agenda information for the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state to the public.
(2)  “Legislative body” means a legislative body that meets the definition of subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
(3)  No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that members of a legislative body or its staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights under Section 54954.3. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a member of a legislative body or its staff may ask a question for clarification, 91 Ch. 327 — 28 —
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make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities.

Furthermore, a member of a legislative body, or the body itself, subject to rules or procedures of the legislative body, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. (b)  Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below. Prior to discussing any item pursuant to this subdivision, the legislative body shall publicly identify the item. (1)  Upon a determination by a majority vote of the legislative body that an emergency situation exists, as defined in Section 54956.5. (2)  Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in subdivision (a).
(3)  The item was posted pursuant to subdivision (a) for a prior meeting of the legislative body occurring not more than five calendar days prior to the date action is taken on the item, and at the prior meeting the item was continued to the meeting at which action is being taken. (c)  This section is necessary to implement and reasonably within the scope of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.
(d)  For purposes of subdivision (a), the requirement that the agenda be posted on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one, shall only apply to a legislative body that meets either of the following standards:
(1)  A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
(2)  A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (b) of Section 54952, if the members of the legislative body are compensated for their appearance, and if one or more of the members of the legislative body are also members of a legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.

SEC. 17. Section 54954.3 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54954.3. (a)  (1)  Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the legislative body’s consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, provided that no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless the action is otherwise authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2.
(2)  (A)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the agenda need not provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body on any item that has already been considered by a committee, composed 91 — 29 — Ch. 327
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exclusi
vely of members of the legislative body, at a public meeting wherein all interested members of the public were afforded the opportunity to address the committee on the item, before or during the committee’s consideration of the item.
(B)  Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if any of the following conditions are met:
(i)  The item has been substantially changed since the committee heard the item, as determined by the legislative body.
(ii)  When considering the item, a quorum of the committee members did not participate from a singular physical location, that was clearly identified on the agenda, open to the public, and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction. (iii)  The committee has primary subject matter jurisdiction, as defined by the charter, an ordinance, a resolution, or any formal action of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body, that focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals.

This clause shall not apply to an item if the local agency has adopted a law applicable to the meeting of the committee at which the item that was considered prohibits the committee from placing a limit on the total amount of time for public comment on the item.
(3)  Every notice for a special meeting shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body concerning any item that has been described in the notice for the meeting before or during consideration of that item.
(b)  (1)  The legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable regulations to ensure that the intent of subdivision (a) is carried out, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual speaker.
(2)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when the legislative body of a local agency limits time for public comment, the legislative body of a local agency shall provide at least twice the allotted time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the legislative body of a local agency. (3)  Paragraph (2) shall not apply if the legislative body of a local agency utilizes simultaneous translation equipment in a manner that allows the legislative body of a local agency to hear the translated public testimony simultaneously.
(c)  The legislative body of a local agency shall not prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the agency, or of the acts or omissions of the legislative body. Nothing in this subdivision shall confer any privilege or protection for expression beyond that otherwise provided by law.

SEC. 18. Section 54956 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54956. (a)  (1)  A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding officer of the legislative body of a local agency, or by a majority 91 Ch. 327 — 30 —
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of the members of the legislati
ve body, by delivering written notice to each
member of the legislative body and to each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station requesting notice in writing and posting a notice on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. The notice shall be delivered personally or by any other means and shall be received at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted or discussed. No other business shall be considered at these meetings by the legislative body. The written notice may be dispensed with as to any member who at or prior to the time the meeting convenes files with the clerk or secretary of the legislative body a written waiver of notice. The waiver may be given by telephone or electronic mail. The written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes.
(2)  The call and notice shall be posted at least 24 hours prior to the special meeting in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public. (b)  Notwithstanding any other law, a legislative body shall not call a special meeting regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits, of the legislative body or of a local agency executive, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1. However, this subdivision does not apply to a local agency calling a special meeting to discuss the local agency’s budget.

SEC. 19. Section 54956.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54956.5. (a)  For purposes of this section, “emergency situation” means both of the following:
(1)  An emergency, which shall be defined as a work stoppage, crippling activity, or other activity that severely impairs public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body. (2)  A dire emergency, which shall be defined as a crippling disaster, mass destruction, terrorist act, or threatened terrorist activity that poses peril so immediate and significant that requiring a legislative body to provide one-hour notice before holding an emergency meeting under this section may endanger the public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body.
(b)  (1)  Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of an emergency situation involving matters upon which prompt action is necessary due to the disruption or threatened disruption of public facilities, a legislative body may hold an emergency meeting without complying with either the 24-hour notice requirement or the 24-hour posting requirement of Section 54956 or both of the notice and posting requirements.
(2)  Each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station that has requested notice of special meetings pursuant to Section 54956 shall be notified by the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, one hour prior to the emergency meeting, or, in the case of a dire emergency, at or near the time that the presiding officer or designee notifies the members of the legislative body of the emergency meeting. 91 — 31 — Ch. 327
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(A)  Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the notice required by this paragraph shall be given by telephone and all telephone numbers provided in the most recent request of a newspaper or station for notification of special meetings shall be exhausted. In the event that telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this paragraph shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible. (B)  For an emergency meeting held pursuant to this section, the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, may send the notifications required by this paragraph by email instead of by telephone, as provided in subparagraph (A), to all local newspapers of general circulation, and radio or television stations, that have requested those notifications by email, and all email addresses provided by representatives of those newspapers or stations shall be exhausted. In the event that internet services and telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this paragraph shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible. (c)  During a meeting held pursuant to this section, the legislative body may meet in closed session pursuant to Section 54957 if agreed to by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, by a unanimous vote of the members present.
(d)  All special meeting requirements, as prescribed in Section 54956 shall be applicable to a meeting called pursuant to this section, with the exception of the 24-hour notice requirement. (e)  The minutes of a meeting called pursuant to this section, a list of persons who the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, notified or attempted to notify, a copy of the rollcall vote, and any actions taken at the meeting shall be posted for a minimum of 10 days in a public place as soon after the meeting as possible.

SEC. 20. Section 54957.6 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.6. (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a legislative body of a local agency may hold closed sessions with the local agency’s designated representatives regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of its represented and unrepresented employees, and, for represented employees, any other matter within the statutorily provided scope of representation, subject to all of the following conditions:
(1)  Prior to the closed session, the legislative body of the local agency shall hold an open and public session in which it identifies its designated representatives.
(2)  The closed session shall be for the purpose of reviewing its position and instructing the local agency’s designated representatives. 91 Ch. 327 — 32 —
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(3)  The closed session may take place prior to and during consultations and discussions with representatives of employee organizations and unrepresented employees.
(4)  Any closed session with the local agency’s designated representative regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits may include discussion of an agency’s available funds and funding priorities, but only insofar as these discussions relate to providing instructions to the local agency’s designated representative. (5)  The closed session shall not include final action on the proposed compensation of one or more unrepresented employees.
(6)  For the purposes enumerated in this section, a legislative body of a local agency may also meet with a state conciliator who has intervened in the proceedings.
(b)  For the purposes of this section, the term “employee” shall include an officer or an independent contractor who functions as an officer or an employee, but shall not include any elected official, member of a legislative body, or other independent contractors.

SEC. 21. Section 54957.9 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.9. In the event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a group or groups of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meeting, the members of the legislative body conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session. Representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the legislative body from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for willfully disturbing the orderly conduct of the meeting.

SEC. 22. Section 54957.95 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.95. (a)  (1)  In addition to authority exercised pursuant to Sections 54954.3 and 54957.9, the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting or their designee may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting, including any teleconferenced meeting.
(2)  Prior to removing an individual, the presiding member or their designee shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding member or their designee may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. This paragraph does not apply to any behavior described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).
(b)  As used in this section:
(1)  “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible 91 — 33 — Ch. 327
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the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, one of the following:
(A)  A failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body pursuant to Section 54954.3 or any other law. (B)  Engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.
(2)  “True threat of force” means a threat that has sufficient indicia of intent and seriousness, that a reasonable observer would perceive it to be an actual threat to use force by the person making the threat.

SEC. 23. Section 54957.96 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54957.96. (a)  The existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding officer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, including existing limitations upon that authority, shall apply to members of the public participating in a meeting via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform.
(b)  For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for the public participants.
(2)  “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.

SEC. 24. The Legislature finds and declares that Section 4 of this act, which amends Section 54953 of, Section 5 of this act, which adds Section 54953.4 to, Sections 8 to 15, inclusive, of this act, which add Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, respectively, to, Section 19 of this act, which amends Section 54956.5 of, Section 22 of this act, which amends Section 54957.95 of, and Section 23 of this act, which adds Section 54957.96 to, the Government Code, impose a limitation on the public’s right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies within the meaning of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.

Pursuant to that constitutional provision, the Legislature makes the following findings to demonstrate the interest protected by this limitation and the need for protecting that interest:
(a)  This act is necessary to provide opportunities for public participation in meetings of specified public agencies and to promote the recruitment and retention of members of those agencies.
(b)  This act is necessary to ensure minimum standards for public participation and notice requirements allowing for greater public participation in meetings.
(c)  This act is necessary to modernize the Ralph M. Brown Act to reflect recent technological changes that can promote greater public access to local officials.
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(d)  The exclusi
vely virtual nature of the California Online Community
College presents unique barriers to the requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations. Participating students of the online community college come from all across the state and necessitating travel for these requirements would pose a significant and exclusionary barrier.

SEC. 25. The Legislature finds and declares that Sections 1 and 2 of this act, which amend and repeal Section 54952.2, respectively, of, Section 3 of this act, which amends Section 54952.7 of, Section 4 of this act, which amends Section 54953 of, Section 5 of this act, which adds Section 54953.4 to, Section 6 of this act, which amends Section 54953.5 of, Section 7 of this act, which amends Section 54953.7 of, Sections 8 to 15, inclusive, of this act, which add Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, respectively, to, Section 16 of this act, which amends Section 54954.2 of, Section 17 of this act, which amends Section 54954.3 of, Section 18 of this act, which amends Section 54956 of, Section 19 of this act, which amends Section 54956.5 of, Section 20 of this act, which amends Section 54957.6 of, Section 21 of this act, which amends Section 54957.9 of, Section 22 of this act, which amends Section 54957.95 of, and Section 23 of this act, which adds Section 54957.96 to, the Government Code, further, within the meaning of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the purposes of that constitutional section as it relates to the right of public access to the meetings of local public bodies or the writings of local public officials and local agencies. Pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the Legislature makes the following findings:
(a)  This act is necessary to provide opportunities for public participation in meetings of specified public agencies and to promote the recruitment and retention of members of those agencies.
(b)  This act is necessary to ensure minimum standards for public participation and notice requirements allowing for greater public participation in meetings.
(c)  This act is necessary to modernize the Ralph M. Brown Act to reflect recent technological changes that can promote greater public access to local officials.
(d)  The exclusively virtual nature of the California Online Community College presents unique barriers to the requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations. Participating students of the online community college come from all across the state and necessitating travel for these requirements would pose a significant and exclusionary barrier.

SEC. 26. The Legislature finds and declares that adequate public access to meetings is a matter of statewide concern and is not a municipal affair as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution.

Therefore, this bill would apply to all cities, including charter cities.

SEC. 27. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs 91 — 35 — Ch. 327
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that may be incurred by a local agency or school district under this act would result from a legislative mandate that is within the scope of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.

O
91 Ch. 327 — 36 —
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Senate Bill No. 707
CHAPTER 327
An act to amend Sections 54952.7, 54953, 54953.5, 54953.7, 54954.2, 54954.3, 54956, 54956.5, 54957.6, 54957.9, and 54957.95 of, to amend and repeal Section 54952.2 of, to add Sections 54953.8, 54953.8.1, 54953.8.2, and 54957.96 to, and to add and repeal Sections 54953.4, 54953.8.3, 54953.8.4, 54953.8.5, 54953.8.6, and 54953.8.7 of, the Government Code, relating to local government.
[Approved by Governor October 3, 2025. Filed with Secretary of State October 3, 2025.]
legislative counsel’s digest
SB 707, Durazo. Open meetings: meeting and teleconference requirements.
(1)  Existing law, the Ralph M. Brown Act, requires, with specified exceptions, that all meetings of a legislative body, as defined, of a local agency be open and public and that all persons be permitted to attend and participate.

This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, and until January 1, 2030, require an eligible legislative body, as defined, to comply with additional meeting requirements, including that, except as specified, all open and public meetings include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a 2-way telephonic service or a 2-way audiovisual platform, as defined, and that the eligible legislative body take specified actions to encourage residents to participate in public meetings, as specified. The bill would require an eligible legislative body, on or before July 1, 2026, to approve at a noticed public meeting in open session a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet services occurring during meetings subject to these provisions, as specified, and would require the eligible legislative body to comply with certain requirements relating to disruption, including for certain disruptions, recessing the open session for at least one hour and making a good faith attempt to restore the service, as specified.
(2)  Existing law prohibits a majority of the members of a legislative body, outside a meeting authorized by the act, from using a series of communications of any kind to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Existing law defines “meetings” for these purposes to mean any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location, as specified, to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Until January 1, 2026, existing law excepts from the prohibition a member engaging in separate conversations or communications outside of

91 10266
a meeting with any other person using an internet-based social media platform for specified purposes, provided, among other things, that a majority of the members do not use the internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.

This bill would make the above-described exception related to communications on an internet-based social media platform applicable indefinitely.
(3)  Existing law requires a legislative body, prior to taking final action, to orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on specified forms of compensation for a local agency executive, as defined, during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken.

This bill would also require the legislative body to make that oral report, as provided above, prior to taking final action on those specified forms of compensation for a department head or other similar administrative officer of the local agency.
(4)  Existing law requires a legislative body of a local agency or its designee, at least 72 hours before a regular meeting, to post an agenda that meets specified requirements, including that the agenda contain a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, as specified.

This bill would, beginning July 1, 2026, and until July 1, 2030, require the agenda for each meeting of an eligible legislative body, as defined, to be translated into all applicable languages. The bill would define “applicable languages” to mean languages, according to data from the most recent American Community Survey, spoken jointly by 20% or more of the applicable population, as specified, provided that 20% or more of the population that speaks that language that in that city or county speaks English less than “very well,” as specified, and except as provided.

Existing law requires every agenda for regular meetings to provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest of the public, as specified. Existing law specifies that the agenda is not required to provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body on any item that has already been considered by a committee, as specified, except if the item has been substantially changed since the committee heard the item, as determined by the legislative body.

This bill would add certain exceptions to the provision related to an item that has already been considered by a committee, including excepting committees whose primary subject matter jurisdiction focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals, except as specified. (5)  Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to require a copy of the act to be given to each member of the legislative body and specified persons elected to serve as a member of the legislative body, and authorizes an elected legislative body member to require a copy to be given 91 Ch. 327 — 2 —
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to each member of each legislati
ve body all or a majority of whose members
are appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body.

This bill would instead require a local agency to provide a copy of the act to any person elected or appointed to serve as a member of a legislative body of the local agency.

Existing law authorizes legislative bodies of local agencies to impose requirements upon themselves which allow greater access to their meetings than prescribed by the minimal standards set forth in the act, and authorizes an elected legislative body of a local agency to also impose those requirements on those appointed legislative bodies of the local agency of which all or a majority of the members are appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body.

This bill would remove the above-described requirement that members of an appointed legislative body of a local agency must be appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body of a local agency in order for the elected legislative body to impose the above-described requirements on the appointed legislative body.
(6)  Existing law provides any person attending an open and public meeting of a legislative body of a local agency with the right to record the proceedings with an audio or visual recorder or a still or motion picture camera, as specified.

This bill would remove the reference to an audio or visual recorder or a still or motion picture camera for purposes of recording the proceedings, as described above.
(7)  Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing, as specified, and requires a legislative body of a local agency that elects to use teleconferencing to comply with specified general requirements, including that the local agency post agendas at all teleconference locations, identify each teleconference location in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and have each teleconference location be accessible to the public. Existing law also requires that, during the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as specified.

Existing law authorizes members who are outside the jurisdiction of a health authority, as defined, that conducts a teleconferencing meeting to, notwithstanding the above-described general teleconference provisions, count towards the establishment of a quorum when participating in the teleconference if, among other things, at least 50% of the number of members that would establish a quorum are present within the boundaries of the territory over which the authority exercises jurisdiction.

Existing law authorizes, in certain circumstances, the legislative body of a local agency to use specified alternative teleconferencing which include provisions related to, among others, notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment and identifying and including an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option. Those circumstances in which 91 — 3 — Ch. 327
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the legislati
ve body of a local agency is authorized to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions include specified circumstances relating to a state of emergency, as defined, and, until January 1, 2026, subject to specified limitations, a member’s need to participate remotely due to just cause, defined to include, among other things, a need related to a physical or mental disability, or emergency circumstances, as defined, if certain quorum and disclosure requirements are met.

Existing law also authorizes certain eligible legislative bodies, including neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations to, until January 1, 2026, use alternate teleconferencing if, among other requirements, the city council or board of trustees, as applicable, has adopted an authorizing resolution and 2⁄3 of the
neighborhood city council or specified student organization, as applicable, votes to use alternate teleconference provisions, as specified.

This bill would revise and recast the above-specified teleconferencing and alternative teleconferencing provisions to uniformly apply certain noticing, disclosure, accessibility, and public commenting provisions. The bill would require a legislative body of a local agency that elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions to comply with, in addition to any other applicable requirements under the act, specified requirements, including that the legislative body provides at least either 2-way audiovisual platform or 2-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting as a means by which the public may, among other things, remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and that a member of the legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions and the specific provision of law that the member relied upon to permit their participation by teleconferencing are listed in the minutes of the meeting. The bill would require a local agency to identify and make available to legislative bodies a list of one or more meeting locations that may be available for use by the legislative bodies to conduct their meetings.

The bill would specify that nothing in the bill’s provisions is to be construed to prohibit a member of a legislative body with a disability, as defined, from participating in any meeting of the legislative body by remote participation as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law. The bill would apply certain provisions relative to, among other things, quorum establishment to that circumstance.

The bill would instead authorize a health authority, as defined, to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable in a state of emergency, as defined. The bill would also include a local emergency, as defined, as a circumstance in which a legislative body of a local agency is authorized to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable in cases of a member’s need to participate remotely due to just 91 Ch. 327 — 4 —
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cause or emergency circumstances, as defined, to remo
ve the provision
applicable to emergency circumstances, to revise related definitions, including broadening the definition of just cause to include, among other things, a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person, and to require the minutes for a meeting to identify the specific provision of law that each member relied upon to participate remotely, as specified. The bill would extend the authorization to use the alternative teleconferencing provision until January 1, 2030.

The bill would revise and recast the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations. In regards to the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to student body associations and student-run community college organizations, the bill would exempt the California Online Community College from specified requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations under the authorization, and remove the ability for a person with a disability that requires certain accommodations to count towards the in-person quorum requirement. The bill would specify that the student body associations and student-run community college organizations described above are those in any community college recognized within the California Community Colleges system, and would extend the authorization to the Student Senate for California Community Colleges. The bill would extend the authorization to use the alternative teleconferencing provisions applicable to neighborhood councils and student body associations and student-run community college organizations until January 1, 2030.

The bill would, until January 1, 2030, also authorize a specified subsidiary body of local agencies to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions, provided that it complies with the requirements for alternative teleconferencing described above and additional requirements, including that the subsidiary body designates one physical meeting location within the boundaries of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body where members of the subsidiary body who are not participating remotely shall be present and members of the public may physically attend, observe, hear, and participate in the meeting, as specified.

The bill would, until January 1, 2030, also authorize specified multijurisdictional bodies of local agencies to conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to the above-described alternative teleconferencing provisions, provided that it complies with the requirements for alternative teleconferencing described above and additional requirements, including that the eligible multijurisdictional body has adopted a resolution that authorizes the multijurisdictional body to use teleconferencing at a regular meeting in open session.

The bill would specify that these teleconferencing provisions are cumulative, and would authorize a legislative body to elect to use any teleconferencing provisions that are applicable to a meeting, regardless of 91 — 5 — Ch. 327
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whether any other teleconferencing provisions would also be applicable to that meeting.

Existing law defines “teleconference” for purposes of the authorization for a legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing to mean a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.

This bill would specify that “teleconference” does not include the attendance of one or more members of a legislative body in a meeting of the body solely by watching or listening via webcasting or any other similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively speak, discuss, or deliberate on matters.
(8)  Existing law authorizes a special meeting to be called any time by, among other persons, the presiding officer of the legislative body of a local agency, by delivering specified written notices and posting a notice on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. Existing law requires specified legislative bodies to comply with the internet website posting requirement.

The bill would remove the requirement that only specified legislative bodies comply with the internet website posting requirement, thereby imposing that requirement on all legislative bodies.
(9)  Existing law authorizes a legislative body of a local agency to hold an emergency meeting without complying with specified notice and posting requirements in the case of emergency circumstances, as specified, and imposes various requirements under these provisions applicable to either legislative bodies generally or legislative bodies which are a school board.

This bill would remove the school board distinction from the above-described provisions, thereby imposing the same requirements to hold an emergency meeting on all legislative bodies of local agencies.

By imposing additional duties on legislative bodies of local agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(10)  Existing law authorizes, in addition to other related specified authorizations, the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting or their designee to remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Existing law defines “disrupting” for these purposes to mean engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, as specified.

This bill would specify that a meeting for purposes of that provision includes any teleconferenced meeting. The bill would specify that the existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding officer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, as specified, applies to members of the public participating in a meeting via a 2-way telephonic service or a 2-way audiovisual platform, as those terms are defined.
(11)  The bill would make other updates to references in the act. 91 Ch. 327 — 6 —
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(12)  Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.

This bill would make legislative findings to that effect. (13)  The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies, to comply with a statutory enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to public records or open meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose.

This bill would make legislative findings to that effect. (14)  The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities. (15)  The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 54952.2 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 89 of the Statutes of 2020, is amended to read:
54952.2. (a)  As used in this chapter, “meeting” means any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location, including teleconference location as permitted by Section 54953, to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.
(b)  (1)  A majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.
(2)  Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as preventing an employee or official of a local agency, from engaging in separate conversations or communications outside of a meeting authorized by this chapter with members of a legislative body in order to answer questions or provide information regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency, if that person does not communicate to members of the legislative body the comments or position of any other member or members of the legislative body.
(3)  (A)  Paragraph (1) shall not be construed as preventing a member of the legislative body from engaging in separate conversations or communications on an internet-based social media platform to answer 91 — 7 — Ch. 327
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questions, provide information to the public, or to solicit information from the public regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body provided that a majority of the members of the legislative body do not use the internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. A member of the legislative body shall not respond directly to any communication on an internet-based social media platform regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body that is made, posted, or shared by any other member of the legislative body.
(B)  For purposes of this paragraph, all of the following definitions shall apply:
(i)  “Discuss among themselves” means communications made, posted, or shared on an internet-based social media platform between members of a legislative body, including comments or use of digital icons that express reactions to communications made by other members of the legislative body. (ii)  “Internet-based social media platform” means an online service that is open and accessible to the public.
(iii)  “Open and accessible to the public” means that members of the general public have the ability to access and participate, free of charge, in the social media platform without the approval by the social media platform or a person or entity other than the social media platform, including any forum and chatroom, and cannot be blocked from doing so, except when the internet-based social media platform determines that an individual violated its protocols or rules.
(c)  Nothing in this section shall impose the requirements of this chapter upon any of the following:
(1)  Individual contacts or conversations between a member of a legislative body and any other person that do not violate subdivision (b). (2)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a conference or similar gathering open to the public that involves a discussion of issues of general interest to the public or to public agencies of the type represented by the legislative body, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a specified nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to allow members of the public free admission to a conference or similar gathering at which the organizers have required other participants or registrants to pay fees or charges as a condition of attendance. (3)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and publicized meeting organized to address a topic of local community concern by a person or organization other than the local agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
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(4)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislati ve body at
an open and noticed meeting of another body of the local agency, or at an open and noticed meeting of a legislative body of another local agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled meeting, business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
(5)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a purely social or ceremonial occasion, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
(6)  The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and noticed meeting of a standing committee of that body, provided that the members of the legislative body who are not members of the standing committee attend only as observers.

SEC. 2. Section 54952.2 of the Government Code, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 89 of the Statutes of 2020, is repealed.

SEC. 3. Section 54952.7 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54952.7. A local agency shall provide a copy of this chapter to any person elected or appointed to serve as a member of a legislative body of the local agency.

SEC. 4. Section 54953 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 2 of Chapter 534 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
54953. (a)  All meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the legislative body of a local agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b)  (1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing for the benefit of the public and the legislative body of a local agency in connection with any meeting or proceeding authorized by law. The teleconferenced meeting or proceeding shall comply with all otherwise applicable requirements of this chapter and all otherwise applicable provisions of law relating to a specific type of meeting or proceeding.
(2)  Teleconferencing, as authorized by this section, may be used for all purposes in connection with any meeting within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, the legislative body of a local agency shall comply with all of the following:
(A)  All votes taken during a teleconferenced meeting shall be by rollcall. (B)  The teleconferenced meetings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties or the public appearing before the legislative body of a local agency. (C)  The legislative body shall give notice of the meeting and post agendas as otherwise required by this chapter.
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(D)  The legislati
ve body shall allow members of the public to access the meeting and the agenda shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3. (3)  If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, it shall post agendas at all teleconference locations. Each teleconference location shall be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and each teleconference location shall be accessible to the public. During the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as expressly provided in this chapter.
(4)  The teleconferencing requirements of this subdivision shall not apply to remote participation described in subdivision (c).
(c)  (1)  Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a member of a legislative body with a disability from participating in any meeting of the legislative body by remote participation as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to any applicable law.
(2)  A member of a legislative body participating in a meeting by remote participation pursuant to this subdivision shall do both of the following:
(A)  The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology, except that any member with a disability, as defined in Section 12102 of Title 42 of the United States Code, may participate only through audio technology if a physical condition related to their disability results in a need to participate off camera.
(B)  The member shall disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with any of those individuals.
(3)  Remote participation under this subdivision shall be treated as in-person attendance at the physical meeting location for all purposes, including any requirement that a quorum of the legislative body participate from any particular location. The provisions of subdivision (b) and Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, inclusive, shall not apply to remote participation under this subdivision.
(d)  (1)  No legislative body shall take action by secret ballot, whether preliminary or final.
(2)  The legislative body of a local agency shall publicly report any action taken and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action.
(3)  (A)  Prior to taking final action, the legislative body shall orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of either of the following during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken:
(i)  A local agency executive, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1.
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(ii)  A department head or other similar administrati
ve officer of the local
agency.
(B)  This paragraph shall not affect the public’s right under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1) to inspect or copy records created or received in the process of developing the recommendation.
(e)  For purposes of this section, both of the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Disability” means a physical disability or a mental disability as those terms are defined in Section 12926 and used in Section 12926.1, or a disability as defined in Section 12102 of Title 42 of the United States Code. (2)  (A)  “Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.
(B)  Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), “teleconference” does not include one or more members watching or listening to a meeting via webcasting or any other similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively speak, discuss, or deliberate on matters. (3)  “Remote participation” means participation in a meeting by teleconference at a location other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting.

SEC. 5. Section 54953.4 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.4. (a)  The Legislature finds and declares that public access, including through translation of agendas as required by this section, is necessary for an informed populace. The Legislature encourages local agencies to adopt public access requirements that exceed the requirements of this chapter by translating additional languages, employing human translators, and conducting additional outreach.
(b)  (1)  In addition to any other applicable requirements of this chapter, a meeting held by a eligible legislative body pursuant to this chapter shall comply with both of the following requirements:
(A)  (i)  (I)  (ia)  All open and public meetings shall include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform, except if adequate telephonic or internet service is not operational at the meeting location. If adequate telephonic or internet service is operational at the meeting location during only a portion of the meeting, the legislative body shall include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform during that portion of the meeting. (ib)  (Ia)  On or before July 1, 2026, an eligible legislative body shall approve at a noticed public meeting in open session, not on the consent calendar, a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet service occurring during meetings subject to this sub-subclause. The policy shall address the procedures for recessing and reconvening a meeting in the event of disruption and the efforts that the eligible legislative body shall make to attempt to restore the service.
(Ib)  If a disruption of telephonic or internet service that prevents members of the public from attending or observing the meeting via the two-way 91 — 11 — Ch. 327
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telephonic service or two-way audiovisual platform occurs during the meeting, the eligible legislative body shall recess the open session of the meeting for at least one hour and make a good faith attempt to restore the service. The eligible legislative body may meet in closed session during this period. The eligible legislative body shall not reconvene the open session of the meeting until at least one hour following the disruption, or until telephonic or internet service is restored, whichever is earlier. (Ic)  Upon reconvening the open session, if telephonic or internet service has not been restored, the eligible legislative body shall adopt a finding by rollcall vote that good faith efforts to restore the telephonic or internet service have been made in accordance with the policy adopted pursuant to sub-sub-subclause (Ia) and that the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote public access.
(II)  Subclause (I) does not apply to a meeting that is held to do any of the following:
(ia)  Attend a judicial or administrative proceeding to which the local agency is a party.
(ib)  Inspect real or personal property provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the real or personal property. (ic)  Meet with elected or appointed officials of the United States or the State of California, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction.
(id)  Meet in or nearby a facility owned by the agency, provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the facility. (ie)  Meet in an emergency situation pursuant to Section 54956.5. (ii)  If an eligible legislative body elects to provide a two-way audiovisual platform, the eligible legislative body shall publicly post and provide a call-in option, and activate any automatic captioning function during the meeting if an automatic captioning function is included with the two-way audiovisual platform. If an eligible legislative body does not elect to provide a two-way audiovisual platform, the eligible legislative body shall provide a two-way telephonic service for the public to participate in the meeting, pursuant to subclause (I).
(B)  (i)  All open and public meetings for which attendance via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform is provided in accordance with paragraph (1) shall provide the public with an opportunity to provide public comment in accordance with Section 54954.3 via the two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platform, and ensure the opportunity for the members of the public participating via a two-way telephonic or two-way audiovisual platform to provide public comment with the same time allotment as a person attending a meeting in person. (2)  (A)  An eligible legislative body shall reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate a public meeting into any language or wish to receive interpretation provided by another member of the public, so long as the interpretation is not disrupting to the meeting, as defined in Section 54957.95. The eligible legislative body shall publicize instructions on how 91 Ch. 327 — 12 —
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to request assistance under this subdivision. Assistance may include any of the following, as determined by the eligible legislative body:
(i)  Arranging space for one or more interpreters at the meeting location. (ii)  Allowing extra time during the meeting for interpretation to occur. (iii)  Ensuring participants may utilize their personal equipment or reasonably access facilities for participants to access commercially available interpretation services.
(B)  This section does not require an eligible legislative body to provide interpretation of any public meeting, however, an eligible legislative body may elect to provide interpretation of any public meeting. (C)  The eligible legislative body is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any interpretation facilitated, assisted with, or provided under this subdivision. An action shall not be commenced or maintained against the eligible legislative body arising from the content or accuracy of any interpretation facilitated, assisted with, or provided under this subdivision. (3)  An eligible legislative body shall take the following actions to encourage residents, including those in underrepresented communities and non-English-speaking communities, to participate in public meetings:
(A)  Have in place a system for electronically accepting and fulfilling requests for meeting agendas and documents pursuant to Section 54954.1 through email or through an integrated agenda management platform.

Information about how to make a request using this system shall be accessible through a prominent direct link posted on the primary internet website home page of the eligible legislative body.
(B)  (i)  Create and maintain an accessible internet webpage dedicated to public meetings that includes, or provides a link to, all of the following information:
(I)  A general explanation of the public meeting process for the eligible legislative body.
(II)  An explanation of the procedures for a member of the public to provide in-person or remote oral public comment during a public meeting or to submit written public comment.
(III)  A calendar of all public meeting dates with calendar listings that include the date, time, and location of each public meeting. (IV)  The agenda posted online pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 54954.2.
(ii)  The eligible legislative body shall include a link to the webpage required by subparagraph (A) on the home page of the eligible legislative body’s internet website.
(C)  (i)  Make reasonable efforts, as determined by the legislative body, to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings to attend those meetings, which may include, but are not limited to, all the following:
(I)  Media organizations that provide news coverage in the jurisdiction of the eligible legislative body, including media organizations that serve non-English-speaking communities.
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(II)  Good go
vernment, civil rights, civic engagement, neighborhood, and community group organizations, or similar organizations that are active in the jurisdiction of the eligible legislative body, including organizations active in non-English-speaking communities.
(ii)  Legislative bodies shall have broad discretion in the choice of reasonable efforts they make under this subparagraph. No action shall be commenced or maintained against an eligible legislative body arising from failing to provide public meeting information to any specific group pursuant to this subparagraph.
(c)  (1)  (A)  The agenda for each meeting of an eligible legislative body shall be translated into all applicable languages, and each translation shall be posted in accordance with Section 54954.2. Each translation shall include instructions in the applicable language describing how to join the meeting by the telephonic or internet-based service option, including any requirements for registration for public comment.
(B)  The accessible internet webpage provided under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be translated into all applicable languages, and each translation shall be accessible through a prominent direct link posted on the primary internet website home page of the eligible legislative body.
(2)  A translation made using a digital translation service shall satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1).
(3)  The eligible legislative body shall make available a physical location that is freely accessible to the public in reasonable proximity to the physical location in which the agenda and translations are posted as described in paragraph (1), and shall allow members of the public to post additional translations of the agenda in that location.
(4)  The eligible legislative body is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any translation provided pursuant to this subdivision. No action shall be commenced or maintained against an eligible legislative body arising from the content, accuracy, posting, or removal of any translation provided by the eligible legislative body or posted by any person pursuant to this subdivision.
(5)  For the purposes of this section, the agenda does not include the entire agenda packet.
(d)  This section shall not be construed to affect or supersede any other applicable civil rights, nondiscrimination, or public access laws. (e)  For purposes of this section, all of the following definitions apply:
(1)  (A)  “Applicable languages” means languages, according to data from the most recent American Community Survey, spoken jointly by 20 percent or more of the applicable population, provided that 20 percent or more of the population that speaks that language in that city or county speaks English less than “very well.”
(B)  For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the applicable population shall be determined as follows:
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(i)
For an eligible legislative body that is a city council or county board of supervisors, the applicable population shall be the population of the city or county.
(ii)  For an eligible legislative body of a special district, the applicable population shall be either of the following, at the discretion of the board of directors of the special district:
(I)  The population of the county with the greatest population within the boundaries of the special district.
(II)  The population of the service area of the special district, if the special district has the data to determine what languages spoken by the population within its service area meet the requirements of paragraph (A). (C)  If more than three languages meet the criteria set forth in subparagraph (A), “applicable languages” shall mean the three languages described in subparagraph (A) that are spoken by the largest percentage of the population.
(D)  An eligible legislative body may elect to determine the applicable languages based upon a source other than the most recent American Community Survey if it makes a finding, based upon substantial evidence, that the other source provides equally or more reliable data for the territory over which the eligible legislative body exercises jurisdiction. (2)  “Eligible legislative body” means any of the following:
(A)  A city council of a city with a population of 30,000 or more. (B)  A county board of supervisors of a county, or city and county, with a population of 30,000 or more.
(C)  A city council of a city located in a county with a population of 600,000 or more.
(D)  The board of directors of a special district that has an internet website and meets any of the following conditions:
(i)  The boundaries of the special district include the entirety of a county with a population of 600,000 or more, and the special district has over 200 full-time equivalent employees.
(ii)  The special district has over 1,000 full-time equivalent employees. (iii)  The special district has annual revenues, based on the most recent Financial Transaction Report data published by the California State Controller, that exceed four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000), adjusted annually for inflation commencing January 1, 2027, as measured by the percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index from January 1 of the prior year to January 1 of the current year, and the special district employs over 200 full-time equivalent employees.
(3)  “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. (4)  “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.
(f)  This section shall become operative on July 1, 2026. 91 — 15 — Ch. 327
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(g)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 6. Section 54953.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54953.5. (a)  Any person attending an open and public meeting of a legislative body of a local agency shall have the right to record the proceedings in the absence of a reasonable finding by the legislative body of the local agency that the recording cannot continue without noise, illumination, or obstruction of view that constitutes, or would constitute, a persistent disruption of the proceedings.
(b)  Any recording of an open and public meeting made for whatever purpose by or at the direction of the local agency shall be subject to inspection pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1), but, notwithstanding Section 34090, may be erased or destroyed 30 days after the recording. Any inspection of an audio or video recording shall be provided without charge on equipment made available by the local agency.

SEC. 7. Section 54953.7 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54953.7. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, legislative bodies of local agencies may impose requirements upon themselves which allow greater access to their meetings than prescribed by the minimal standards set forth in this chapter. In addition thereto, an elected legislative body of a local agency may impose those requirements on appointed legislative bodies of the local agency.

SEC. 8. Section 54953.8 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8. (a)  The legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing as authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54953 without complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953 in any of the circumstances described in Sections 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7, inclusive.
(b)  A legislative body that holds a teleconference meeting pursuant to this section shall, in addition to any other applicable requirements of this chapter, comply with all of the following:
(1)  The legislative body shall provide at least one of the following as a means by which the public may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body:
(A)  A two-way audiovisual platform.
(B)  A two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. (2)  In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconference meeting held pursuant to this section is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option.
(3)  In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the 91 Ch. 327 — 16 —
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local agency’s control that pre
vents members of the public from offering
public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
(4)  The legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time. (5)  Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate. (6)  (A)  A legislative body that provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register, pursuant to paragraph (5), to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed. (B)  A legislative body that does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register pursuant to paragraph (5), or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment.
(C)  A legislative body that provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond to a specific agenda item shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, pursuant to paragraph (5), until the timed general public comment period has elapsed. (7)  Any member of the legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to this section and the specific provision of law that the member relied upon to permit their participation by teleconferencing shall be listed in the minutes of the meeting. (8)  The legislative body shall have and implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility. In each instance in which notice of the time of the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the procedure for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation.
(9)  The legislative body shall conduct meetings subject to this chapter consistent with applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination laws. (c)  A local agency shall identify and make available to legislative bodies a list of one or more meeting locations that may be available for use by the legislative bodies to conduct their meetings.
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(d)  (1)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislati ve body from
providing the public with additional teleconference locations. (2)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional physical locations in which the public may observe and address the legislative body by electronic means.
(e)  A member of a legislative body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location pursuant to this section shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with those individuals.
(f)  The teleconferencing provisions described in Section 54953 and Sections 54953.8.1 to 54953.8.7, inclusive, are cumulative. A legislative body may elect to use any teleconferencing provisions that are applicable to a meeting, regardless of whether any other teleconferencing provisions would also be applicable to that meeting.
(g)  For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Remote location” means a location from which a member of a legislative body participates in a meeting pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b), other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Remote locations need not be accessible to the public. (2)  “Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.
(3)  “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for the public participants.
(4)  “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.
(5)  “Webcasting” means a streaming video broadcast online or on television, using streaming media technology to distribute a single content source to many simultaneous listeners and viewers.

SEC. 9. Section 54953.8.1 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.1. (a)  A health authority may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section.
(b)  Nothing in this section or Section 54953.8 shall be construed as discouraging health authority members from regularly meeting at a common physical site within the jurisdiction of the authority or from using teleconference locations within or near the jurisdiction of the authority. (c)  For purposes of this section, a health authority means any entity created pursuant to Sections 14018.7, 14087.31, 14087.35, 14087.36, 14087.38, and 14087.9605 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, any joint powers authority created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 91 Ch. 327 — 18 —
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6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 for the purpose of contracting pursuant to Section 14087.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and any advisory committee to a county-sponsored health plan licensed pursuant to Chapter

2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code if the advisory committee has 12 or more members.

SEC. 10. Section 54953.8.2 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.2. (a)  A legislative body of a local agency may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 during a proclaimed state of emergency or local emergency, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and the teleconferencing is used in either of the following circumstances:
(1)  For the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
(2)  After a determination described in paragraph (1) is made that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
(b)  If the state of emergency or local emergency remains active, in order to continue to teleconference pursuant to this section, the legislative body shall, no later than 45 days after teleconferencing for the first time pursuant to this section, and every 45 days thereafter, make the following findings by majority vote:
(1)  The legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency or local emergency.
(2)  The state of emergency or local emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person. (c)  This section shall not be construed to require the legislative body to provide a physical location from which the public may attend or comment. (d)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953.8, a legislative body conducting a teleconference meeting pursuant to this section may elect to use a two-way telephonic service without a live webcasting of the meeting.
(e)  For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Local emergency” means a condition of extreme peril to persons or property proclaimed by the governing body of the local agency affected, in accordance with Section 8630 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2), as defined in Section 8680.9, or a local health emergency declared pursuant to Section 101080 of the Health and Safety Code. Local emergency, as used in this section, refers only to local emergencies in the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction. (2)  “State of emergency” means state of emergency proclaimed pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2).

SEC. 11. Section 54953.8.3 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.3. (a)  A legislative body of a local agency may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8 if, during the 91 — 19 — Ch. 327
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teleconference meeting, at least a quorum of the members of the legislati ve
body participates in person from a singular physical location clearly identified on the agenda, which location shall be open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, provided that the legislative body complies with the requirements of Section 54953.8 and all of the following additional requirements:
(1)  A member of the legislative body notifies the legislative body at the earliest opportunity possible, including at the start of a regular meeting, of their need to participate remotely for just cause, including a general description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting.
(2)  The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology.
(3)  (A)  The provisions of this subdivision shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for just cause for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
(i)  Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.
(ii)  Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month.
(iii)  Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month.
(B)  For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
(b)  The minutes for the meeting shall identify the specific provision in subdivision (c) that each member relied upon to participate remotely. This subdivision shall not be construed to require the member to disclose any medical diagnosis or disability, or any personal medical information that is otherwise exempt under existing law, including, but not limited to, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 56) of Part 2.6 of Division 1 of the Civil Code). (c)  For purposes of this section, “just cause” means any of the following:
(1)  Childcare or caregiving need of a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. “Child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms do in Section 12945.2. (2)  A contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person. (3)  A need related to a physical or mental condition that is not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953.
(4)  Travel while on official business of the legislative body or another state or local agency.
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(5)  An immunocompromised child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the member that requires the member to participate remotely.
(6)  A physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person.
(7)  Military service obligations that result in a member being unable to attend in person because they are serving under official written orders for active duty, drill, annual training, or any other duty required as a member of the California National Guard or a United States Military Reserve organization that requires the member to be at least 50 miles outside the boundaries of the local agency.
(d)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 12. Section 54953.8.4 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.4. (a)  An eligible neighborhood council may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following have occurred:
(1)  (A)  The city council for a city described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) considers whether to adopt a resolution to authorize eligible neighborhood councils to use teleconferencing as described in this section at an open and regular meeting.
(B)  If the city council adopts a resolution described in subparagraph (A), an eligible neighborhood council may elect to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section if a majority of the eligible neighborhood council votes to do so. The eligible neighborhood council shall notify the city council if it elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section and its justification for doing so.
(C)  Upon receiving notification from an eligible neighborhood council described in subparagraph (B), the city council may adopt a resolution to prohibit the eligible neighborhood council from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section.
(2)  After completing the requirements of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), an eligible neighborhood council that holds a meeting pursuant to this subdivision shall do all of the following:
(A)  At least a quorum of the members of the eligible neighborhood council shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the city in which the eligible neighborhood council is established. (B)  At least once per year, at least a quorum of the members of the eligible neighborhood council shall participate in person from a singular physical location that is open to the public and within the boundaries of the eligible neighborhood council.
(3)  If the meeting is during regular business hours of the offices of the city council member that represents the area that includes the eligible neighborhood council, the eligible neighborhood council shall provide a publicly accessible physical location from which the public may attend or comment, which shall be the offices of the city council member who 91 — 21 — Ch. 327
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represents the area where the eligible neighborhood council is located, unless the eligible neighborhood council identifies an alternative location. (4)  If the meeting is outside regular business hours, the eligible neighborhood council shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate any member of the public that requests an accommodation to participate in the meeting.
(b)  For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Accommodation” means providing a publicly accessible physical location for the member of the public to participate from, providing access to technology necessary to participate in the meeting, or identifying locations or resources available that could provide the member of the public with an opportunity to participate in the meeting.
(2)  “Eligible neighborhood council” means a neighborhood council that is an advisory body with the purpose to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs that is established pursuant to the charter of a city with a population of more than 3,000,000 people that is subject to this chapter.
(c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 13. Section 54953.8.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.5. (a)  An eligible community college student organization may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1)  An eligible community college student organization may only use teleconferencing as described in Section 54953.8 after all the following have occurred:
(A)  The board of trustees for a community college district considers whether to adopt a resolution to authorize eligible community college student organizations to use teleconferencing as described in this section at an open and regular meeting.
(B)  If the board of trustees for a community college district adopts a resolution described in subparagraph (A), an eligible community college student organization may elect to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section if a majority of the eligible community college student organization votes to do so. The eligible community college student organization shall notify the board of trustees if it elects to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section and its justification for doing so.
(C)  Upon receiving notification from an eligible community college student organization as described in subparagraph (B), the board of trustees may adopt a resolution to prohibit the eligible community college student organization from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section. (D)  (i)  Except as specified in clause (ii), at least a quorum of the members of the eligible community college student organization shall participate from a singular physical location that is accessible to the public and is within the community college district in which the eligible community college student organization is established.
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(ii)  The requirements described in clause (i) shall not apply to the California Online Community College.
(iii)  Notwithstanding the requirements of clause (i), a person may count toward the establishment of a quorum pursuant to clause (i) regardless of whether the person is participating at the in-person location of the meeting or remotely if the person meets any of the following criteria:
(I)  The person is under 18 years of age.
(II)  The person is incarcerated.
(III)  The person is unable to disclose the location that they are participating from because of either of the following circumstances:
(ia)  The person has been issued a protective court order, including, but not limited to, a domestic violence restraining order.
(ib)  The person is participating in a program that has to remain confidential, including, but not limited to, an independent living program. (IV)  The person provides childcare or caregiving to a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. For purposes of this subclause, “child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms are defined in Section 12945.2.
(2)  An eligible community college student organization that holds a meeting by teleconference as described in Section 54953.8 shall do the following, as applicable:
(A)  (i)  Except as specified in subparagraph (B), if the meeting is during regular business hours of the offices of the board of trustees of the community college district, the eligible community college student organization shall provide a publicly accessible physical location from which the public may attend or comment, which shall be the offices of the board of trustees of the community college district, unless the eligible community college student organization identifies an alternative location. (ii)  Except as specified in subparagraph (B), if the meeting is outside regular business hours, the eligible community college student organization shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate any member of the public that requests an accommodation to participate in the meeting. For the purposes of this subparagraph, “accommodation” means providing a publicly accessible physical location for the member of the public to participate from, providing access to technology necessary to participate in the meeting, or identifying locations or resources available that could provide the member of the public with an opportunity to participate in the meeting. (B)  The requirements described in subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the California Online Community College.
(b)  For purposes of this section, “eligible community college student organization” means a student body association organized pursuant to Section 76060 of the Education Code, or any other student-run community college organization that is required to comply with the meeting requirements of this chapter, that is in any community college recognized within the California Community Colleges system and includes the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.
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(c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 14. Section 54953.8.6 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54953.8.6. (a)  An eligible subsidiary body may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1)  The eligible subsidiary body shall designate one physical meeting location within the boundaries of the legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body where members of the subsidiary body who are not participating remotely shall be present and members of the public may physically attend, observe, hear, and participate in the meeting. At least one staff member of the eligible subsidiary body or the legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body shall be present at the physical meeting location during the meeting. The eligible subsidiary body shall post the agenda at the physical meeting location, but need not post the agenda at a remote location.
(2)  (A)  A member of the eligible subsidiary body shall visibly appear on camera during the open portion of a meeting that is publicly accessible via the internet or other online platform, except if the member has a physical or mental condition not subject to subdivision (c) of Section 54953 that results in a need to participate off camera.
(B)  The visual appearance of a member of the eligible subsidiary body on camera may cease only when the appearance would be technologically infeasible, including, but not limited to, when the member experiences a lack of reliable broadband or internet connectivity that would be remedied by joining without video.
(C)  If a member of the eligible subsidiary body does not appear on camera due to challenges with internet connectivity, the member shall announce the reason for their nonappearance prior to turning off their camera. (3)  An elected official serving as a member of an eligible subsidiary body in their official capacity shall not participate in a meeting of the eligible subsidiary body by teleconferencing pursuant to this section unless the use of teleconferencing complies with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 54953.
(4)  (A)  In order to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section, the legislative body that established the eligible subsidiary body by charter, ordinance, resolution, or other formal action shall make the following findings by majority vote before the eligible subsidiary body uses teleconferencing pursuant to this section for the first time, and every six months thereafter:
(i)  The legislative body has considered the circumstances of the eligible subsidiary body.
(ii)  Teleconference meetings of the eligible subsidiary body would enhance public access to meetings of the eligible subsidiary body, and the public has been made aware of the type of remote participation, including audio-visual or telephonic, that will be made available at a regularly scheduled meeting and has been provided the opportunity to comment at 91 Ch. 327 — 24 —
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an in-person meeting of the legislati
ve body authorizing the subsidiary body
to meet entirely remotely.
(iii)  Teleconference meetings of the eligible subsidiary body would promote the attraction, retention, and diversity of eligible subsidiary body members.
(B)  (i)  An eligible subsidiary body authorized to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section may request to present any recommendations it develops to the legislative body that created it.
(ii)  Upon receiving a request described in clause (i), the legislative body that created the subsidiary body shall hold a discussion at a regular meeting held within 60 days after the legislative body receives the request, or if the legislative body does not have another regular meeting scheduled within 60 days after the legislative body receives the request, at the next regular meeting after the request is received.
(iii)  The discussion required by clause (ii) shall not be placed on a consent calendar, but may be combined with the legislative body’s subsequent consideration of the findings described in subparagraph (A) for the following 12 months.
(iv)  The legislative body shall not take any action on any recommendations included in the report of a subsidiary body until the next regular meeting of the legislative body following the discussion described in clause (ii).
(C)  After the legislative body makes the findings described in subparagraph (A), the eligible subsidiary body shall approve the use of teleconferencing by majority vote before using teleconference pursuant to this section.
(D)  The legislative body that created the eligible subsidiary body may elect to prohibit the eligible subsidiary body from using teleconferencing pursuant to this section at any time.
(b)  (1)  For purposes of this section, “eligible subsidiary body” means a legislative body that meets all of the following:
(A)  Is described in subdivision (b) of Section 54952.
(B)  Serves exclusively in an advisory capacity.
(C)  Is not authorized to take final action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or any other entitlements, grants, or allocations of funds.
(D)  Does not have primary subject matter jurisdiction, as defined by the charter, an ordinance, a resolution, or any formal action of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body, that focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals. (2)  An eligible subsidiary body may include members who are elected officials, members who are not elected officials, or any combination thereof. (c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 15. Section 54953.8.7 is added to the Government Code, to read:
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54953.8.7. (a)  An eligible multijurisdictional body may conduct a teleconference meeting pursuant to Section 54953.8, provided that it complies with the requirements of that section and all of the following additional requirements:
(1)  The eligible multijurisdictional body has adopted a resolution that authorizes the eligible multijurisdictional body to use teleconferencing pursuant to this section at a regular meeting in open session. (2)  At least a quorum of the members of the eligible multijurisdictional body shall participate from one or more physical locations that are open to the public and within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction.
(3)  A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body who receives compensation for their service on the eligible multijurisdictional body shall participate from a physical location that is open to the public. For purposes of this paragraph, “compensation” does not include reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses.
(4)  A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body may participate from a remote location provided that:
(A)  The eligible multijurisdictional body identifies each member of the eligible multijurisdictional body who plans to participate remotely in the agenda.
(B)  The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology.
(5)  A member of the eligible multijurisdictional body shall not participate in a meeting remotely pursuant to this section, unless the location from which the member participates is more than 20 miles each way from any physical location of the meeting described in paragraph (2). (6)  The provisions of this section shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
(A)  Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.
(B)  Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month.
(C)  Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month.
(D)  For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
(b)  For the purposes of this section, both of the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Eligible multijurisdictional body” means a multijurisdictional board, commission, or advisory body of a multijurisdictional, cross-county agency, the membership of which board, commission, or advisory body is appointed, 91 Ch. 327 — 26 —
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and the board, commission, or advisory body is otherwise subject to this chapter.
(2)  “Multijurisdictional” means either of the following:
(A)  A legislative body that includes representatives from more than one county, city, city and county, or special district.
(B)  A legislative body of a joint powers entity formed pursuant to an agreement entered into in accordance with Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1.
(c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 16. Section 54954.2 of the Government Code, as amended by Section 92 of Chapter 131 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
54954.2. (a)  (1)  At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda that meets all of the following requirements:
(A)  The agenda shall contain a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words.
(B)  The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular meeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one.
(C)  (i)  If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. (ii)  The agenda shall include information regarding how, to whom, and when a request for disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, may be made by a person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in the public meeting.
(2)  For a meeting occurring on and after January 1, 2019, of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website, the following provisions shall apply:
(A)  An online posting of an agenda shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that is accessible through a prominent, direct link to the current agenda. The direct link to the agenda shall not be in a contextual menu; however, a link in addition to the direct link to the agenda may be accessible through a contextual menu. (B)  An online posting of an agenda, including, but not limited to, an agenda posted in an integrated agenda management platform, shall be posted in an open format that meets all of the following requirements:
(i)  Retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically searchable by commonly used internet search applications.
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(ii)  Platform independent and machine readable.
(iii)  Available to the public free of charge and without any restriction that would impede the reuse or redistribution of the agenda. (C)  A legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website and an integrated agenda management platform shall not be required to comply with subparagraph (A) if all of the following are met:
(i)  A direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state. The direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall not be in a contextual menu. When a person clicks on the direct link to the integrated agenda management platform, the direct link shall take the person directly to an internet website with the agendas of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(ii)  The integrated agenda management platform may contain the prior agendas of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state for all meetings occurring on or after January 1, 2019.
(iii)  The current agenda of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state shall be the first agenda available at the top of the integrated agenda management platform.
(iv)  All agendas posted in the integrated agenda management platform shall comply with the requirements in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B).
(D)  The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a political subdivision of a local agency that was established by the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(E)  For purposes of this paragraph, both of the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Integrated agenda management platform” means an internet website of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state dedicated to providing the entirety of the agenda information for the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state to the public.
(2)  “Legislative body” means a legislative body that meets the definition of subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
(3)  No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that members of a legislative body or its staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights under Section 54954.3. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a member of a legislative body or its staff may ask a question for clarification, 91 Ch. 327 — 28 —
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make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities.

Furthermore, a member of a legislative body, or the body itself, subject to rules or procedures of the legislative body, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. (b)  Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below. Prior to discussing any item pursuant to this subdivision, the legislative body shall publicly identify the item. (1)  Upon a determination by a majority vote of the legislative body that an emergency situation exists, as defined in Section 54956.5. (2)  Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in subdivision (a).
(3)  The item was posted pursuant to subdivision (a) for a prior meeting of the legislative body occurring not more than five calendar days prior to the date action is taken on the item, and at the prior meeting the item was continued to the meeting at which action is being taken. (c)  This section is necessary to implement and reasonably within the scope of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.
(d)  For purposes of subdivision (a), the requirement that the agenda be posted on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one, shall only apply to a legislative body that meets either of the following standards:
(1)  A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
(2)  A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (b) of Section 54952, if the members of the legislative body are compensated for their appearance, and if one or more of the members of the legislative body are also members of a legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.

SEC. 17. Section 54954.3 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54954.3. (a)  (1)  Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the legislative body’s consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, provided that no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless the action is otherwise authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2.
(2)  (A)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the agenda need not provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body on any item that has already been considered by a committee, composed 91 — 29 — Ch. 327
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exclusi
vely of members of the legislative body, at a public meeting wherein all interested members of the public were afforded the opportunity to address the committee on the item, before or during the committee’s consideration of the item.
(B)  Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if any of the following conditions are met:
(i)  The item has been substantially changed since the committee heard the item, as determined by the legislative body.
(ii)  When considering the item, a quorum of the committee members did not participate from a singular physical location, that was clearly identified on the agenda, open to the public, and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction. (iii)  The committee has primary subject matter jurisdiction, as defined by the charter, an ordinance, a resolution, or any formal action of the legislative body that created the subsidiary body, that focuses on elections, budgets, police oversight, privacy, removing from, or restricting access to, materials available in public libraries, or taxes or related spending proposals.

This clause shall not apply to an item if the local agency has adopted a law applicable to the meeting of the committee at which the item that was considered prohibits the committee from placing a limit on the total amount of time for public comment on the item.
(3)  Every notice for a special meeting shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body concerning any item that has been described in the notice for the meeting before or during consideration of that item.
(b)  (1)  The legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable regulations to ensure that the intent of subdivision (a) is carried out, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual speaker.
(2)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when the legislative body of a local agency limits time for public comment, the legislative body of a local agency shall provide at least twice the allotted time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the legislative body of a local agency. (3)  Paragraph (2) shall not apply if the legislative body of a local agency utilizes simultaneous translation equipment in a manner that allows the legislative body of a local agency to hear the translated public testimony simultaneously.
(c)  The legislative body of a local agency shall not prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the agency, or of the acts or omissions of the legislative body. Nothing in this subdivision shall confer any privilege or protection for expression beyond that otherwise provided by law.

SEC. 18. Section 54956 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54956. (a)  (1)  A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding officer of the legislative body of a local agency, or by a majority 91 Ch. 327 — 30 —
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of the members of the legislati
ve body, by delivering written notice to each
member of the legislative body and to each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station requesting notice in writing and posting a notice on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. The notice shall be delivered personally or by any other means and shall be received at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted or discussed. No other business shall be considered at these meetings by the legislative body. The written notice may be dispensed with as to any member who at or prior to the time the meeting convenes files with the clerk or secretary of the legislative body a written waiver of notice. The waiver may be given by telephone or electronic mail. The written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes.
(2)  The call and notice shall be posted at least 24 hours prior to the special meeting in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public. (b)  Notwithstanding any other law, a legislative body shall not call a special meeting regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits, of the legislative body or of a local agency executive, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1. However, this subdivision does not apply to a local agency calling a special meeting to discuss the local agency’s budget.

SEC. 19. Section 54956.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54956.5. (a)  For purposes of this section, “emergency situation” means both of the following:
(1)  An emergency, which shall be defined as a work stoppage, crippling activity, or other activity that severely impairs public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body. (2)  A dire emergency, which shall be defined as a crippling disaster, mass destruction, terrorist act, or threatened terrorist activity that poses peril so immediate and significant that requiring a legislative body to provide one-hour notice before holding an emergency meeting under this section may endanger the public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body.
(b)  (1)  Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of an emergency situation involving matters upon which prompt action is necessary due to the disruption or threatened disruption of public facilities, a legislative body may hold an emergency meeting without complying with either the 24-hour notice requirement or the 24-hour posting requirement of Section 54956 or both of the notice and posting requirements.
(2)  Each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station that has requested notice of special meetings pursuant to Section 54956 shall be notified by the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, one hour prior to the emergency meeting, or, in the case of a dire emergency, at or near the time that the presiding officer or designee notifies the members of the legislative body of the emergency meeting. 91 — 31 — Ch. 327
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(A)  Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the notice required by this paragraph shall be given by telephone and all telephone numbers provided in the most recent request of a newspaper or station for notification of special meetings shall be exhausted. In the event that telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this paragraph shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible. (B)  For an emergency meeting held pursuant to this section, the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, may send the notifications required by this paragraph by email instead of by telephone, as provided in subparagraph (A), to all local newspapers of general circulation, and radio or television stations, that have requested those notifications by email, and all email addresses provided by representatives of those newspapers or stations shall be exhausted. In the event that internet services and telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this paragraph shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible. (c)  During a meeting held pursuant to this section, the legislative body may meet in closed session pursuant to Section 54957 if agreed to by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, by a unanimous vote of the members present.
(d)  All special meeting requirements, as prescribed in Section 54956 shall be applicable to a meeting called pursuant to this section, with the exception of the 24-hour notice requirement. (e)  The minutes of a meeting called pursuant to this section, a list of persons who the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, notified or attempted to notify, a copy of the rollcall vote, and any actions taken at the meeting shall be posted for a minimum of 10 days in a public place as soon after the meeting as possible.

SEC. 20. Section 54957.6 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.6. (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a legislative body of a local agency may hold closed sessions with the local agency’s designated representatives regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of its represented and unrepresented employees, and, for represented employees, any other matter within the statutorily provided scope of representation, subject to all of the following conditions:
(1)  Prior to the closed session, the legislative body of the local agency shall hold an open and public session in which it identifies its designated representatives.
(2)  The closed session shall be for the purpose of reviewing its position and instructing the local agency’s designated representatives. 91 Ch. 327 — 32 —
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(3)  The closed session may take place prior to and during consultations and discussions with representatives of employee organizations and unrepresented employees.
(4)  Any closed session with the local agency’s designated representative regarding the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits may include discussion of an agency’s available funds and funding priorities, but only insofar as these discussions relate to providing instructions to the local agency’s designated representative. (5)  The closed session shall not include final action on the proposed compensation of one or more unrepresented employees.
(6)  For the purposes enumerated in this section, a legislative body of a local agency may also meet with a state conciliator who has intervened in the proceedings.
(b)  For the purposes of this section, the term “employee” shall include an officer or an independent contractor who functions as an officer or an employee, but shall not include any elected official, member of a legislative body, or other independent contractors.

SEC. 21. Section 54957.9 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.9. In the event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a group or groups of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meeting, the members of the legislative body conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session. Representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the legislative body from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for willfully disturbing the orderly conduct of the meeting.

SEC. 22. Section 54957.95 of the Government Code is amended to read:
54957.95. (a)  (1)  In addition to authority exercised pursuant to Sections 54954.3 and 54957.9, the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting or their designee may remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting, including any teleconferenced meeting.
(2)  Prior to removing an individual, the presiding member or their designee shall warn the individual that their behavior is disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behavior may result in their removal. The presiding member or their designee may then remove the individual if they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior. This paragraph does not apply to any behavior described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).
(b)  As used in this section:
(1)  “Disrupting” means engaging in behavior during a meeting of a legislative body that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible 91 — 33 — Ch. 327
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the orderly conduct of the meeting and includes, but is not limited to, one of the following:
(A)  A failure to comply with reasonable and lawful regulations adopted by a legislative body pursuant to Section 54954.3 or any other law. (B)  Engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force.
(2)  “True threat of force” means a threat that has sufficient indicia of intent and seriousness, that a reasonable observer would perceive it to be an actual threat to use force by the person making the threat.

SEC. 23. Section 54957.96 is added to the Government Code, to read:
54957.96. (a)  The existing authority of a legislative body or its presiding officer to remove or limit participation by persons who engage in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting, including existing limitations upon that authority, shall apply to members of the public participating in a meeting via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform.
(b)  For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)  “Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic service. A two-way audiovisual platform may be structured to disable the use of video for the public participants.
(2)  “Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.

SEC. 24. The Legislature finds and declares that Section 4 of this act, which amends Section 54953 of, Section 5 of this act, which adds Section 54953.4 to, Sections 8 to 15, inclusive, of this act, which add Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, respectively, to, Section 19 of this act, which amends Section 54956.5 of, Section 22 of this act, which amends Section 54957.95 of, and Section 23 of this act, which adds Section 54957.96 to, the Government Code, impose a limitation on the public’s right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies within the meaning of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.

Pursuant to that constitutional provision, the Legislature makes the following findings to demonstrate the interest protected by this limitation and the need for protecting that interest:
(a)  This act is necessary to provide opportunities for public participation in meetings of specified public agencies and to promote the recruitment and retention of members of those agencies.
(b)  This act is necessary to ensure minimum standards for public participation and notice requirements allowing for greater public participation in meetings.
(c)  This act is necessary to modernize the Ralph M. Brown Act to reflect recent technological changes that can promote greater public access to local officials.
91 Ch. 327 — 34 —
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(d)  The exclusi
vely virtual nature of the California Online Community
College presents unique barriers to the requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations. Participating students of the online community college come from all across the state and necessitating travel for these requirements would pose a significant and exclusionary barrier.

SEC. 25. The Legislature finds and declares that Sections 1 and 2 of this act, which amend and repeal Section 54952.2, respectively, of, Section 3 of this act, which amends Section 54952.7 of, Section 4 of this act, which amends Section 54953 of, Section 5 of this act, which adds Section 54953.4 to, Section 6 of this act, which amends Section 54953.5 of, Section 7 of this act, which amends Section 54953.7 of, Sections 8 to 15, inclusive, of this act, which add Sections 54953.8 to 54953.8.7, respectively, to, Section 16 of this act, which amends Section 54954.2 of, Section 17 of this act, which amends Section 54954.3 of, Section 18 of this act, which amends Section 54956 of, Section 19 of this act, which amends Section 54956.5 of, Section 20 of this act, which amends Section 54957.6 of, Section 21 of this act, which amends Section 54957.9 of, Section 22 of this act, which amends Section 54957.95 of, and Section 23 of this act, which adds Section 54957.96 to, the Government Code, further, within the meaning of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the purposes of that constitutional section as it relates to the right of public access to the meetings of local public bodies or the writings of local public officials and local agencies. Pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the Legislature makes the following findings:
(a)  This act is necessary to provide opportunities for public participation in meetings of specified public agencies and to promote the recruitment and retention of members of those agencies.
(b)  This act is necessary to ensure minimum standards for public participation and notice requirements allowing for greater public participation in meetings.
(c)  This act is necessary to modernize the Ralph M. Brown Act to reflect recent technological changes that can promote greater public access to local officials.
(d)  The exclusively virtual nature of the California Online Community College presents unique barriers to the requirements for an in-person quorum, a physical location for public participation, and certain accommodations. Participating students of the online community college come from all across the state and necessitating travel for these requirements would pose a significant and exclusionary barrier.

SEC. 26. The Legislature finds and declares that adequate public access to meetings is a matter of statewide concern and is not a municipal affair as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution.

Therefore, this bill would apply to all cities, including charter cities.

SEC. 27. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs 91 — 35 — Ch. 327
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that may be incurred by a local agency or school district under this act would result from a legislative mandate that is within the scope of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.

O
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