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8.6 Adopt a Technology Disruption
Procedure
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Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution amending the City Council Policies & Procedures adding a technology disruption policy and making amendments to sections related to public comment Recommendation:
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Background:
WHAT IS SB 707?
• Signed October 3, 2025 (Stats. 2025, ch. 327)
• Updates the Ralph M. Brown Act (Gov. Code §
54950 et seq.)
• Builds on pandemic-era teleconferencing rules
(AB 2449, 2022) that were set to expire
• Expands public participation, strengthens
language access, and makes key provisions
permanent
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
Phase 2 — July 1, 2026
Required Adoption of the Technology Disruption Policy
and a teleconferencing option for the Public beginning
with the July City Council meeting.
Provisions applicable to all local agencies
already in effect
Phase 1 — January 1, 2026
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Discussion:
SB 707 Requirement: Before July 1, 2026, the City Council must adopt a written policy addressing disruptions to telephonic or internet service, including procedures for recessing, reconvening, and restoration efforts. 1 Disruption Occurs (Zoom)
The Mayor or City Clerk announces
the disruption. Meeting recessed
while staff attempts service
restoration.
2 Restoration Efforts
Staff makes reasonable, good-faith
efforts: troubleshooting, restarting
equipment, backup systems, or
alternate platform. Meeting remains
in recess for at least one hour.
3 Reconvene or Adjourn
If restored: meeting continues.
If not: Council may adjourn to a
future date OR continue with the
meeting.
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Discussion:
OTHER AMENDMENTS IN THE REDLINED POLICY
Public Comment — Virtual Participation (§ 8.6.5): Clarifies that virtual public comment is permitted.
Speaker Request Procedures (§ 8.6.2): Aligns deadlines and procedures for inperson and remote speakers; both must submit (or raise hand in Zoom) no later than the conclusion of staff's presentation. Speakers will be muted at expiration of their timer. This will ensure the in-person and remote speakers are treated equally.
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Discussion:
OTHER AMENDMENTS IN THE REDLINED POLICY
Decorum Enforcement — Remote Attendees (§ 8.13.4 / 8.13.6): Adds procedures for the City Clerk to mute or remove disruptive teleconference participants at the direction of the Mayor.
Teleconference Tracking (§ 6.13): Clarifies City Clerk's role in tracking Council teleconference participation to ensure compliance with Brown Act Just Cause and Emergency provision limits.
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Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution amending the City Council Policies & Procedures adding a technology disruption policy and making amendments to sections related to public comment Recommendation:
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Questions?