Item 21 - Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707

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Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 June 2, 2026 Page 2 GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No DISCUSSION Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) amended the Brown Act (Government Code §§54950-54963) to diversify and increase public engagement during local government meetings of legislative bodies by updating teleconferencing and accessibility requirements. By July 1, 2026, legislative bodies must adopt policies addressing technology disruptions and defining reasonable efforts for outreach to encourage public participation, particularly among underrepresented and non-English-speaking communities. Below is a summary of key provisions with notable changes under SB 707: Two-Way Remote Attendance and Disruption Procedures SB 707 requires "eligible legislative bodies" (starting July 1, 2026 through January 1, 2030) to offer two-way public access for meetings via telephonic or audiovisual platforms (e.g., Zoom). "Eligible legislative bodies" is defined as City Councils with populations of greater than 30,000 or City Councils in counties with populations of greater than 600,000. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana meets these population criteria and is, thereby, subject to the requirements outlined in the statute. As the City of Santa Ana has provided remote access to City Council meetings via Zoom Webinar since 2020, it already meets the requirements for two-way public access. Government Code §54953.4 requires the City Council to adopt, by July 1, 2026, a technology disruption policy. The policy must address procedures for responding to disruptions of telephonic or internet service during a meeting and the efforts the legislative body will make to restore service. In lieu of creating a separate, stand-alone policy, the required technology disruption policy language has been added to the Resolution for Council Rules and Procedures (Exhibit 2). The statute requires that if a disruption occurs that prevents members of the public form observing or participating in a City Council meeting through the two-way telephonic or audiovisual platform, the City Council must recess the open session for at least one hour and make a good faith effort to restore service. During this time, City Council may meet in Closed Session, as permitted by law. The meeting shall remain in recess for at least one hour or until service is restored, whichever is sooner. Good faith efforts include: (1) troubleshooting platform or teleconferencing software, (2) resetting or replacing audiovisual equipment, (3) attempting alternative connection methods, (4) contacting necessary support staff or service providers, and/or (5) switching to back-up equipment or platforms, if available. Minutes of the meeting shall document the time and nature of any disruption and the efforts made to restore access. If service has not been