Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act: teleconferencing.

Senator Laird's teleconferencing legislation extends California's alternative meeting provisions for state bodies through 2030, maintaining flexible options for remote participation while preserving public access requirements. The measure amends the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act to continue allowing state bodies and advisory committees to conduct hybrid meetings where members can participate from undisclosed remote locations, provided certain conditions are met.

Under the bill's provisions, state bodies must designate a primary physical meeting location accessible to the public, with at least one staff member present. A majority of members must attend from this location, though exceptions exist for those with disabilities requiring remote accommodation. Members participating remotely must appear on camera during public portions unless technically impracticable, and must disclose if other adults are present at their location.

The legislation retains existing requirements for public participation, mandating that state bodies provide telephone numbers and online platforms for remote access equivalent to what members receive. Agendas must specify how the public can join meetings remotely while maintaining privacy protections that prevent disclosure of officials' remote locations. All votes during teleconferenced meetings must occur by roll call, with actions and votes publicly reported.

These provisions, originally set to expire in 2026, will now continue through January 2030, at which point new requirements take effect regarding physical meeting locations and member attendance. The extension follows the widespread adoption of remote meeting technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which the bill's findings note increased public engagement while reducing travel burdens on participants.