SB 707 Brown Act Updates
Key 2026 changes to California Open Meeting Laws
Presented by: Telicia Lopez, City Clerk
SB 707 Legislative Overview
Signed into law on October 3, 2025, Senate Bill 707 overhauls the Ralph M. Brown Act to significantly increase public accessibility and codify permanent remote frameworks.
• Dual Intent: Broadens public meeting engagement while modernizing remote board participation guidelines.
• Applicability: Targets "eligible legislative bodies" (cities & counties over 30K population, major special districts).
• New Standards: Mandates strict service standards, technical backups, and language accessibility
Remote Access
More public meetings must offer remote participation.
• Mandatory Hybrid Meetings: Eligible legislative bodies must offer two- way telephonic or video access for public participation. • Real-Time Comment: Public participants must be able to make comments in real time.
• Time Equality: Time limits for speakers must be applied equally to both in-person and remote participants
Teleconferencing Rules
Member Exemptions
SB 707 streamlines and unifies the post -pandemic framework for re m o t e board participation w i t h o u t disclosing residential locations.
Extended Just Cause: Authorizes re m o t e c hec k-in for caregiving, medical emergencies, or contagious illness t h ro u g h Dec ember 31, 2029.
ADA Accommodation : Establishes a p e r m a ne nt re m o t e process for m e m b e r s w i t h a disabilit ies, allowing them to be c o u nted towards q u o r u m
Disruption Policy Rules
Mandatory Policy Adoption
On or before July 1, 2026, all eligible legislative bodies must formally approve a disruption policy in open session.
• Clear, standardized protocols.
The 1-Hour Recess Rule
In the event of a critical platform or internet disruption preventing public access, the body must immediately recess the meeting.
• Attempt to restore connectivity for up to 1 hour .
Disruptive Conduct Rules
Maintaining Order
SB 707 clarifies the rules for addressing "Zoom -bombing" and disruptive behavior, ensuring meetings remain functional .
• The Mayor or City Clerk may mute or remove virtual or physical attendees displaying disruptive actions.
• Warning Requirement: Initial warnings are required unless there is an immediate, explicit threat of violence
Outreach and Translation
Agenda Translation: Agendas and joining instructions
must be translated into languages spoken by 20% or
more of the population with limited English proficiency.
Dedicated Portal: Agencies must maintain a highly
accessible portal directly linked from the home page
detailing instructions on how to participate remotely.
Questions ?