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 3 restored after one hour of good faith efforts, the Council, by roll call vote, shall extend the recess to continue efforts to restore service, adjourn the meeting, or adopt findings that the City made good faith efforts to restore service and the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote access. Teleconferencing Provisions and Policy SB 707 revised the regulations for teleconference participation by members of the legislative body. The City's previous Teleconferencing Policy, adopted July 18, 2023, expired on January 1, 2026. Since that time, the teleconferencing provisions of the Brown Act have been in effect. The proposed Teleconferencing Policy (Exhibit 4) incorporates the Brown Act's teleconferencing provisions specifically for the City. Traditional teleconferencing procedures continue in effect. Changes were made to the procedures for participating via teleconference to accommodate City Councilmembers under the Americans with Disabilities Act, during a proclaimed state of emergency, and expanding the qualifications to teleconference using the "Just Cause" provisions. "Just Cause" remote participation has been expanded to now include childcare responsibilities, illness, family emergencies, travel on official business, or military service obligations. If the legislative body regularly meets twice per month, remote participation by a Councilmember is limited to five meetings annually. Language Access From July 1, 2026 to January 1, 2030, certain legislative bodies must translate their meeting agendas into any language spoken by 20% of more of the local population that speaks English less than "very well," based on the US. Census Bureau's American Community Survey data. The City of Santa Ana meets this 20% threshold for Spanish. City Council meeting agendas, commencing July 1, 2026, will be translated into Spanish and posted physically outside City Hall and online. Agencies must also provide a freely- accessibly physical location (e.g., bulletin board or similar) near where the agenda is posted to allow the public to post their own translated versions of the agenda. Such posting location will be in place prior to July 1, 2026 and will be limited to agenda translations only. Any other materials will be removed. The City is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any publically-posted translation. The City exceeds requirements for simultaneous language interpretation by providing Spanish interpretation and live-streaming at each City Council meeting. In addition, the City shall reasonably assist members of the public who wish to translate/interpret in other language(s) during a meeting. Local agencies must also take reasonable steps to help increase participation from underrepresented groups, including people who do not speak English very well. This