Open meetings: meeting and teleconference requirements.

Senator Durazo's comprehensive open meetings legislation modernizes California's Ralph M. Brown Act by establishing new requirements for remote public participation and expanding language access. Beginning July 2026, legislative bodies in larger jurisdictions must provide options for the public to participate remotely via telephone or video platforms and translate meeting agendas into additional languages based on local demographics.

The bill creates uniform standards for teleconferencing while tailoring requirements for different types of bodies. Local agencies must adopt policies for handling technical disruptions, ensure real-time public comment opportunities, and document remote participation in meeting minutes. Special provisions apply to health authorities, neighborhood councils, student organizations, and multi-jurisdictional bodies.

For eligible agencies - including cities over 30,000 residents, county boards, and certain special districts - agendas must be translated when 20% or more of the local population speaks a language other than English and has limited English proficiency. The legislation requires agencies to maintain accessible websites with meeting information and conduct outreach to traditionally underrepresented communities.

The measure extends through January 2030 and includes safeguards for managing disruptive behavior in both in-person and virtual settings. It maintains requirements for physical meeting locations while expanding options for remote participation, aiming to increase public access through modern technology while preserving orderly conduct of business.

To implement these changes, agencies must upgrade their technical capabilities, develop new policies, and modify administrative procedures. The bill specifies that costs incurred by local agencies fall within existing constitutional mandates and do not require state reimbursement.