SB 707 Compliance Strategy &
Brown Act Updates
Teleconferencing, Remote Public Access, and Public Participation Requirements
City Council Regular Meeting - Item 5.3
June 8, 2026
What is Senate Bill 707 (SB 707)?
SB 707 amends the Ralph M. Brown Act and establishes new statewide requirements for teleconferencing, remote public access, and public participation in local government meetings.
Effective July 1, 2026
Eligible legislative bodies must:
• Provide remote public attendance opportunities through two-way telephonic or audiovisual technology
• Allow remote public comment with participation opportunities substantially equivalent to inperson attendance • Adopt a Technology Disruption Policy establishing procedures for responding to internet or telephonic service interruptions during public meetings • Determine and establish reasonable efforts to encourage public participation, particularly among underrepresented and non-English-speaking communities What is Senate Bill 707 (SB 707)? (continued)
Purpose of the Legislation
• Increase public access to local government meetings
• Improve transparency and public participation
• Provide continuity of public meetings when technology disruptions occur • Encourage outreach to communities that may not traditionally participate in public meetings
Sunset Provision
SB 707 teleconferencing requirements are currently scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2030.
Lathrop currently conducts hybrid two-way telephonic City Council meetings and already complies with many of the remote participation requirements.
Technology Disruption Policy
Why Is a Policy Required?
SB 707 requires legislative bodies to establish procedures for responding to disruptions that prevent the public from accessing or participating in meetings remotely.
If a Technology Disruption Occurs:
• Open session must recess for at least one hour
• Staff must make a good-faith effort to restore service • Closed session may continue if otherwise authorized by law • Open session may not reconvene until:
o Service is restored; or
o One hour has elapsed
Technology Disruption Policy (continued)
If Service Cannot Be Restored
The City Council must make findings by roll call vote that:
1. Good-faith efforts were made to restore service; and
2. The public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote access
Alternatively, the meeting may be adjourned.
Purpose
Ensure transparency, public access, and continuity of government operations.
Public Participation & Outreach
Current Outreach Efforts
The City currently provides public meeting information through. • The City’s social media platforms (Meta accounts)
• Electronic agenda subscriptions through the City’s website, menu options under:
• Published public hearing & legal notices on City's website • Online agenda webpages for each Regular & Special Meeting How Do I? Alerts & Notifications Email Subscriptions
Public Participation & Outreach
Establish Additional Reasonable Efforts
Encourage participation from all residents, including
underrepresented and non-English-speaking communities.
• Media outreach to local publications and news organizations • Continued promotion of agenda subscription services
• Evaluation of multilingual communication opportunities • Outreach through community and neighborhood organizations • Flexible use of future communication technologies
Council Member Teleconferencing
State law now authorizes remote participation by Council Members under specified circumstances
Examples Include:
• Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations
• “Just Cause” Circumstances:
• Childcare or caregiving responsibilities; Care of
immunocompromised family members; Contagious illness;
Personal or family medical emergencies; Official government travel; Military service obligations; and other circumstances authorized by state law
Council Member Teleconferencing (continued)
Procedural Requirements
• The Council Member must notify the City as soon as practicable. • The request must identify the applicable statutory basis for participation. • The Council must approve the request when required by state law. • Remote participation must occur through two-way audiovisual technology.
• Members of the public must be able to observe and hear the meeting.
The Council Member must participate in real time.
For a City Council that meets once per month, "Just cause" teleconferencing is generally limited to two meetings per calendar year per Council Member.
Council Member Teleconferencing (continued)
Council Discretion
The City Council may provide additional direction regarding implementation procedures consistent with state law.
For example, the Council may direct staff to amend the proposed Technology Disruption Policy and require its application to City Commissions currently subject to the Brown Act, but not subject Government Code § 54953.4 under “eligible legislative body”.
The Brown Act now establishes the applicable procedures and limitations, allowing staff to administer compliance directly under state law.
SB 707 primarily regulates when and how Council Members may participate remotely; it does not create an unrestricted option for remote attendance.
Fiscal Impact & Recommended Actions
Fiscal Impact
• MediaStar, Inc. agreement: $15,601 for updates to the Chamber’s broadcast system
• Staff will continue monitoring future operational and technology costs Recommended Actions
1. Adopt Resolution Amending the Handbook of Rules and Procedures to Incorporate a Technology Disruption Policy
2. Adopt Resolution Determining & Establishing Reasonable Efforts to Encourage Public Participation; and
3. Provide Additional Direction to Staff, as Appropriate.