Agenda Item: 2
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: June 23, 2026
SUBJECT: TECHNOLOGY INTERRUPTION POLICY FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services
PRESENTER: Melody Bartlette
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council adopt a policy regarding technology interruptions during City Council Meetings, as required by Senate Bill 707.
BACKGROUND
The Ralph M. Brown Act governs public access and participation in meetings of local legislative bodies. In 2025, Senate Bill 707 amended the Brown Act to require local agencies to provide remote public access to City Council meetings and to adopt a policy addressing disruptions in telephonic or internet service that prevent members of the public from attending or observing meetings remotely. The law requires agencies to adopt such a policy on or before July 1, 2026.
To comply with these new requirements (Gov. Code § 54953.4), the City of Santa Clarita (City) is implementing remote public access capabilities for City Council meetings and is bringing forward the proposed Technology Disruption Policy for adoption in advance of the statutory deadline. The policy establishes procedures for responding to technical disruptions that may impact remote public access and ensures the City can continue to conduct public meetings in a manner consistent with the Brown Act.
The proposed policy establishes a framework for responding to interruptions affecting remote public access services during public meetings. Key provisions include:
• Immediate public notification when a disruption to remote access services is identified. • Authority for the Presiding Officer to recess the meeting while staff attempts to restore service.
• Requirements for City staff to make good-faith efforts to restore telephonic or internet access through troubleshooting, alternate connection methods, backup equipment, and
coordination with service providers.
• Procedures for reconvening the meeting once service is restored or, if service cannot be restored after reasonable efforts, allowing the legislative body to continue the meeting upon adoption of findings required by the Brown Act.
• Documentation and recordkeeping requirements to ensure transparency regarding the disruption and restoration efforts.
• Standards governing remote public participation and procedures for addressing disruptive behavior during meetings.
Adoption of the policy will ensure compliance with Senate Bill 707, provide clear operational guidance for responding to technical disruptions, and support continued public participation and access to City meetings through remote attendance options.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ATTACHMENTS
I-17 Technology Interruption Policy - Draft