COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Donna G. Schwartz, Chief Deputy City Clerk
DATE: June 16, 2026
SUBJECT: Update on the Status of Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) Amendments to the Ralph M. Brown Act Implementation Requirements
Description:
The City Council will receive an informational update on the status of the SB 707 implementation requirements that are due on or before July 1, 2026.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file an informational update regarding Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) Amendments to the Ralph M. Brown Act and the City’s implementation status of the requirements that are due on or before July 1, 2026.
BACKGROUND:
On April 7 , 2026, staff presented Council with an informatio nal update on SB 707 that amends the Ralph M. Brown Act to modify and clarify requirements related to remote participation, teleconferencing, and meeting procedures for legislative bodies. Certain provisions became effective January 1, 2026, with additional requirements effective on or before July 1, 2026.
DISCUSSION:
On or before July 1, 2026, the following becomes effective and shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030:
Adoption by the City Council of a Policy on Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service
Implementation Status : Finalized and formerly adopted by the City Council during an open session held on June 2, 2026.
2 Two-Way Telephone or Two -Way Audio -Visual platform . Requires eligible legislative bodies (City Council) to provide a two -way telephonic or audio -visual platform that allows members of the public to provide public comment and receive the same allotted time as in-person speakers.
Implementation Status: May 2026 purchased Zoom to allow two-way telephonic or audio participation during public comment and will allot same amount of time as in -person speakers. To go live at the July 7th City Council meeting.
Outreach to encourage participation : Requires eligible legisl ative bodies (City Council) to:
o Conduct outreach to encourage participation from underrepresented and non-English-speaking communities
o Electronically accept requests for meeting agendas and related documents
o Provide a prominent direct link on the City’s primary homepage explaining how to request materials
o Maintain a webpage dedicated to public meetings that includes:
A general explanation of the public meeting process
Public comment procedures
A calendar of meeting dates, times, and locations
Implementation Status : Previous and ongoing efforts have been made to encourage participation. City Council meeting agenda website to be updated by June 30th with instructions on how to participate remotely during public comment in both English and Spanish.
City Council Meeting Agenda and Website Translation requirements – Defines “applicable languages” as languages spoken by at least 20 percent of the population within the jurisdiction, as determined by the most recent American Community Survey, where 20 percent or more of those individuals speak English less than “very well.”
Implementation Status : May 2026 p urchased translation software Deepl for meeting agenda and website translation requirements. City Council meeting agenda website to be updated by June 30th with instructions on how to participate remotely during public comment in both English and Spanish . Interpretation services have previously and are currently being provided at City Council meetings
Members of the Public May Post Their Own Tr anslation of City Council Agendas on a readily available posting board made available by the agency.
Implementation Status : May 2026 b ulletin board installed for public to post their own translation of City Council agendas.
3 Fiscal Considerations
Cost to purchase the following:
Consultant for implementation of SB 707 requirements. $7,500 Zoom $ 970
Deepl $ 345
Bulletin Board $ 40
These purchases were mandated by the State and were not included in the approved budget, resulting in an unanticipated expense. The costs were covered by using funds from the department's supplies account. City Clerk’s Office will absorb annual operating costs for SB 707 of $1,315.
Impact on the Community
SB 707 enhances transparency, consistency, and accessibility in public meetings. By clarifying remote participation standards, establishing procedures for technological disruptions, and expanding outreach and translation requirements, the legislation strengthens public access and promotes greater civic participation. These updates support public trust by ensuring meetings remain predictable, open, and accessible.