| Last Version Text |
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<ns0:Id>20250AB__025998AMD</ns0:Id>
<ns0:VersionNum>98</ns0:VersionNum>
<ns0:History>
<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>INTRODUCED</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2025-01-16</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>AMENDED_ASSEMBLY</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2025-04-21</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:LegislativeInfo>
<ns0:SessionYear>2025</ns0:SessionYear>
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<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Assembly Member Blanca Rubio</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>ASSEMBLY</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Blanca Rubio</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
</ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Title> An act to amend and repeal Sections 54953 and 54954.2 of the Government Code, relating to local government. </ns0:Title>
<ns0:RelatingClause>local government</ns0:RelatingClause>
<ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:Subject>Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.</ns0:Subject>
</ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:DigestText>
<html:p>Existing law, the Ralph M. Brown Act, requires, with specified exceptions, that all meetings of a legislative body, as defined, of a local agency be open and public and that all persons be permitted to attend and participate. The act authorizes the legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing, as specified, and requires a legislative body of a local agency that elects to use teleconferencing to comply with specified requirements, including that the local agency post agendas at all teleconference locations, identify each teleconference location in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and have each teleconference location be accessible to the public.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law, until January 1, 2026, authorizes the legislative body of a local agency to use alternative teleconferencing if, during the
teleconference meeting, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a singular physical location clearly identified on the agenda that is open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, and the legislative body complies with prescribed requirements. Existing law requires a member to satisfy specified requirements to participate in a meeting remotely pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions, including that specified circumstances apply. Existing law establishes limits on the number of meetings a member may participate in solely by teleconference from a remote location pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions, including prohibiting such participation for more than 2 meetings per year if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would extend the alternative teleconferencing procedures until January 1, 2030.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law authorizes a member to participate remotely pursuant to the alternative teleconferencing provisions described above under specified circumstances, including participating due to emergency circumstances. Under existing law, the emergency circumstances basis for remote participation is contingent on a request to, and action by, the legislative body, as prescribed.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law generally requires the legislative body of the local agency or its designee, at least 72 hours before a regular
meeting, to post an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session, as specified. Existing law, until January 1, 2026, authorizes a legislative body, notwithstanding that provision, to consider and take action on a request from a member to participate in a meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances if the request does not allow sufficient time to place the proposed action on the posted agenda for the meeting for which the request is made, as specified.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would extend the authorization for a legislative body of a local agency to consider and take action on a request from a
member to participate in a meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances as described above until January 1, 2030.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.</html:p>
<html:p>The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and
agencies, to comply with a statutory enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to public records or open meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.</html:p>
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<ns0:DigestKey>
<ns0:VoteRequired>MAJORITY</ns0:VoteRequired>
<ns0:Appropriation>NO</ns0:Appropriation>
<ns0:FiscalCommittee>NO</ns0:FiscalCommittee>
<ns0:LocalProgram>NO</ns0:LocalProgram>
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<ns0:ImmediateEffect>NO</ns0:ImmediateEffect>
<ns0:ImmediateEffectFlags>
<ns0:Urgency>NO</ns0:Urgency>
<ns0:TaxLevy>NO</ns0:TaxLevy>
<ns0:Election>NO</ns0:Election>
<ns0:UsualCurrentExpenses>NO</ns0:UsualCurrentExpenses>
<ns0:BudgetBill>NO</ns0:BudgetBill>
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<ns0:Bill id="bill">
<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_E22CE253-BEB7-45A2-8D54-CC2ED0A059A3">
<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
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Section 54953 of the
<ns0:DocName>Government Code</ns0:DocName>
, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 389 of the Statutes of 2024, is amended to read:
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<ns0:Num>54953.</ns0:Num>
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<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
All meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the legislative body of a local agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing for the benefit of the public and the legislative body of a local agency in connection with any meeting or proceeding authorized by law. The teleconferenced meeting or proceeding shall comply with all otherwise applicable requirements of this chapter and all otherwise applicable provisions of law relating to a specific type of
meeting or proceeding.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Teleconferencing, as authorized by this section, may be used for all purposes in connection with any meeting within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, the legislative body of a local agency shall comply with all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
All votes taken during a teleconferenced meeting shall be by rollcall.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The teleconferenced meetings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties or the public appearing before the legislative body of a local agency.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body
shall give notice of the meeting and post agendas as otherwise required by this chapter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall allow members of the public to access the meeting and the agenda shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, it shall post agendas at all teleconference locations. Each teleconference location shall be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and each teleconference location shall be accessible to the public. During the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the
local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as provided in subdivisions (d) and (e).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No legislative body shall take action by secret ballot, whether preliminary or final.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body of a local agency shall publicly report any action taken and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Prior to taking final action, the legislative body shall orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of a local agency executive, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1, during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken. This paragraph
shall not affect the public’s right under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1) to inspect or copy records created or received in the process of developing the recommendation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding the provisions relating to a quorum in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), if a health authority conducts a teleconference meeting, members who are outside the jurisdiction of the authority may be counted toward the establishment of a quorum when participating in the teleconference if at least 50 percent of the number of members that would establish a quorum are present within the boundaries of the territory over which the authority exercises jurisdiction, and the health authority provides a teleconference number, and associated access codes, if any, that allows
any person to call in to participate in the meeting and the number and access codes are identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as discouraging health authority members from regularly meeting at a common physical site within the jurisdiction of the authority or from using teleconference locations within or near the jurisdiction of the authority. A teleconference meeting for which a quorum is established pursuant to this subdivision shall be subject to all other requirements of this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this subdivision, a health authority means any entity created pursuant to Sections 14018.7, 14087.31, 14087.35, 14087.36, 14087.38, and 14087.9605 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, any joint powers
authority created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 for the purpose of contracting pursuant to Section 14087.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and any advisory committee to a county-sponsored health plan licensed pursuant to Chapter 2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code if the advisory committee has 12 or more members.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing without complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) if the legislative body complies with the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subdivision in either of the following circumstances:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state
of emergency for the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency and has determined, by majority vote, pursuant to subparagraph (A), that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body that holds a meeting pursuant to this subdivision shall do all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconferenced meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body
shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the local agency’s control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting
agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register
as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body that provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register, pursuant to subparagraph (D), to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body that does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register pursuant to subparagraph (D), or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of
providing public comment.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body that provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond to a specific agenda item shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, pursuant to subparagraph (D), until the timed general public comment period has elapsed.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If a state of emergency remains active, in order to continue to teleconference without compliance with paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), the legislative body shall, not later than 45 days after teleconferencing for the first time pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), and every 45 days thereafter, make the following findings by majority vote:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body has reconsidered the
circumstances of the state of emergency.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This subdivision shall not be construed to require the legislative body to provide a physical location from which the public may attend or comment.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing without complying with paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) if, during the teleconference meeting, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a singular physical location clearly identified on the agenda, which location shall be open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the
territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction and the legislative body complies with all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall provide at least one of the following as a means by which the public may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A two-way audiovisual platform.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconferenced meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the means by which members of the
public may access the meeting and offer public comment.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend and address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3 via a call-in option, via an internet-based service option, and at the in-person location of the meeting.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the local agency’s control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting agenda until
public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(F)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party
internet website or online platform to participate.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A member of the legislative body shall only participate in the meeting remotely pursuant to this subdivision, if all of the following requirements are met:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
One of the following circumstances applies:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The member notifies the legislative body at the earliest opportunity possible, including at the start of a regular meeting, of their need to participate remotely for just cause, including a general description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting. The provisions of this clause shall not be used by any member of the legislative body for more than two meetings per calendar year.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The member requests the legislative body to allow them to participate in the meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances and the legislative body takes action to approve the request. The legislative body shall request a general description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting. A general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words and shall not require the member to disclose any medical diagnosis or disability, or any personal medical information that is already exempt under existing law, such as the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 56) of Part 2.6 of Division 1 of the Civil Code). For the purposes of this clause, the following requirements apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(I)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A member
shall make a request to participate remotely at a meeting pursuant to this clause as soon as possible. The member shall make a separate request for each meeting in which they seek to participate remotely.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(II)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body may take action on a request to participate remotely at the earliest opportunity. If the request does not allow sufficient time to place proposed action on such a request on the posted agenda for the meeting for which the request is made, the legislative body may take action at the beginning of the meeting in accordance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The member shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location
with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with any such individuals.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The provisions of this subdivision shall not serve as a means for any member of a legislative body to participate in meetings of the legislative body solely by teleconference from a remote location for more than the following number of meetings, as applicable:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Two meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Five meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets twice per month.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Seven meetings per year, if the legislative body regularly meets three or more times per month.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For the purpose of counting meetings attended by teleconference under this paragraph, a “meeting” shall be defined as any number of meetings of the legislative body of a local agency that begin on the same calendar day.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall have and implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility. In each instance in which notice of the time of the meeting is otherwise given or the
agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the procedure for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall conduct meetings subject to this chapter consistent with applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination laws.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional teleconference locations.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional physical locations in which the public may observe and address the legislative body by electronic means.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(j)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Emergency circumstances” means a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Just cause” means any of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A childcare or caregiving need of a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. “Child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms do in Section 12945.2.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A need related to a physical or mental disability as defined in Sections 12926 and 12926.1 not otherwise accommodated by subdivision (g).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Travel while on official business of the legislative body or another state or local agency.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Remote location” means a location from which a member of a legislative body participates in a meeting pursuant to subdivision (f), other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Remote locations need not be accessible to the public.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Remote participation” means participation in a meeting by teleconference at a location other than any physical meeting location designated in the notice of the meeting. Watching or listening to a
meeting via webcasting or another similar electronic medium that does not permit members to interactively hear, discuss, or deliberate on matters, does not constitute remote participation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“State of emergency” means a state of emergency proclaimed pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act (Article 1 (commencing with Section 8550) of Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(6)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Teleconference” means a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(7)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Two-way audiovisual platform” means an online platform that provides participants with the ability to participate in a meeting via both an
interactive video conference and a two-way telephonic function.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(8)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Two-way telephonic service” means a telephone service that does not require internet access, is not provided as part of a two-way audiovisual platform, and allows participants to dial a telephone number to listen and verbally participate.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(9)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Webcasting” means a streaming video broadcast online or on television, using streaming media technology to distribute a single content source to many simultaneous listeners and viewers.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(k)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
</html:p>
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</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_D1DBD896-893C-4D81-9996-E49C4CEAB901">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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Section 54953 of the
<ns0:DocName>Government Code</ns0:DocName>
, as amended by Section 2
of Chapter 534 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
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<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_834DAE4E-3963-471E-B711-587B378E6D65">
<ns0:Num>54953.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_D95F7E13-7E76-4946-B5A0-5AD0F7D6F79E">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
All meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the legislative body of a local agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing for the benefit of the public and the legislative body of a local agency in connection with any meeting or proceeding authorized by law. The teleconferenced meeting or proceeding shall comply with all otherwise applicable requirements of this chapter and all otherwise applicable provisions of law relating to a specific type of meeting or proceeding.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Teleconferencing, as authorized by this section, may be used for all purposes in connection with any meeting within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, the legislative body of a local agency shall comply with all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
All votes taken during a teleconferenced meeting shall be by rollcall.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The teleconferenced meetings shall be conducted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties or the public appearing before the legislative body of a local agency.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall give notice of the meeting and post agendas as otherwise required by this chapter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body
shall allow members of the public to access the meeting and the agenda shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body directly pursuant to Section 54954.3.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, it shall post agendas at all teleconference locations. Each teleconference location shall be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and each teleconference location shall be accessible to the public. During the teleconference, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body shall participate from locations within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, except as provided in subdivisions (d) and (e).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No legislative body shall take action by secret ballot, whether preliminary or final.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body of a local agency shall publicly report any action taken and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Prior to taking final action, the legislative body shall orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of a local agency executive, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3511.1, during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken. This paragraph shall not affect the public’s right under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1) to inspect or copy records created or received in the process of developing the recommendation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding the provisions
relating to a quorum in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), if a health authority conducts a teleconference meeting, members who are outside the jurisdiction of the authority may be counted toward the establishment of a quorum when participating in the teleconference if at least 50 percent of the number of members that would establish a quorum are present within the boundaries of the territory over which the authority exercises jurisdiction, and the health authority provides a teleconference number, and associated access codes, if any, that allows any person to call in to participate in the meeting and the number and access codes are identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as discouraging health authority members from regularly meeting at a common physical site within the jurisdiction of the authority or from using teleconference locations within or near the jurisdiction of the
authority. A teleconference meeting for which a quorum is established pursuant to this subdivision shall be subject to all other requirements of this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this subdivision, a health authority means any entity created pursuant to Sections 14018.7, 14087.31, 14087.35, 14087.36, 14087.38, and 14087.9605 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, any joint powers authority created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 for the purpose of contracting pursuant to Section 14087.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and any advisory committee to a county-sponsored health plan licensed pursuant to Chapter 2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code if the advisory committee has 12 or more members.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body of a local agency may use teleconferencing
without complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) if the legislative body complies with the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subdivision in either of the following circumstances:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency for the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency and has determined, by majority vote, pursuant to subparagraph (A), that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body that holds a meeting pursuant to this subdivision shall do all of the
following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In each instance in which notice of the time of the teleconferenced meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the means by which members of the public may access the meeting and offer public comment. The agenda shall identify and include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In the event of a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting to members of the public using the call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the local agency’s control that prevents members of the public from offering public comments using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on the meeting
agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer comment in real time.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body that provides a timed public comment period for each agenda item shall not close the public comment period for the agenda item, or the opportunity to register, pursuant to subparagraph (D), to provide public comment until that timed public comment period has elapsed.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body that does not provide a timed public comment period, but takes public comment separately on each agenda item, shall allow a reasonable amount of time per agenda item to allow public members the opportunity to provide public comment, including time for members of the public to register pursuant to subparagraph (D), or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body that provides a timed general public comment period that does not correspond
to a specific agenda item shall not close the public comment period or the opportunity to register, pursuant to subparagraph (D), until the timed general public comment period has elapsed.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If a state of emergency remains active, in order to continue to teleconference without compliance with paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), the legislative body shall, not later than 45 days after teleconferencing for the first time pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), and every 45 days thereafter, make the following findings by majority vote:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This
subdivision shall not be construed to require the legislative body to provide a physical location from which the public may attend or comment.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall have and implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and resolving any doubt in favor of accessibility. In each instance in which notice of the time of the meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the meeting is otherwise posted, the legislative body shall also give notice of the procedure for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The legislative body shall conduct meetings subject to this chapter consistent with applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination laws.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional teleconference locations.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Nothing in this section shall prohibit a legislative body from providing the public with additional physical locations in which the public may observe and address the legislative body by electronic means.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“State of emergency” means a state of emergency proclaimed pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act (Article 1 (commencing with Section 8550) of Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Teleconference” means a meeting of a
legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(j)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall become operative January 1,
2030.
</html:p>
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</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_74D1B3B1-0914-467A-AF90-538B4710F168">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 3.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_AMENDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:GOV:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'TITLE'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'5.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'2.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'PART'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'1.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'9.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'54954.2.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION||version: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 285, Sec. 4) by Stats. 2023, Ch. 131, Sec. 91. [id_164c3c61-8565-11ee-bcfe-9f16e66157a6]" ns3:type="locator">
Section 54954.2 of the
<ns0:DocName>Government Code</ns0:DocName>
, as amended by Section 91 of Chapter 131 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
</ns0:ActionLine>
<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_03DAFE8D-22DE-4952-9A08-E8901BC2CAC7">
<ns0:Num>54954.2.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_8EA82C0F-AF1E-41F3-9C75-D0DD2E0E975A">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words. The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular meeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by
Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. The agenda shall include information regarding how, to whom, and when a request for disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, may be made by a person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in the public meeting.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For a meeting occurring on and after January 1, 2019, of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website, the following provisions shall apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An online posting of an agenda shall be posted on the primary
internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that is accessible through a prominent,
direct link to the current agenda. The direct link to the agenda shall not be in a contextual menu; however, a link in addition to the direct link to the agenda may be accessible through a contextual menu.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An online posting of an agenda, including, but not limited to, an agenda posted in an integrated agenda management platform, shall be posted in an open format that meets all of the following requirements:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically searchable by commonly used internet search applications.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Platform independent and machine readable.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Available to the public free of charge and without any restriction
that would impede the reuse or redistribution of the agenda.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website and an integrated agenda management platform shall not be required to comply with subparagraph (A) if all of the following are met:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state. The direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall not be in a contextual menu. When a person clicks on the direct link to the integrated agenda management
platform, the direct link shall take the person directly to an internet website with the agendas of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The integrated agenda management platform may contain the prior agendas of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state for all meetings occurring on or after January 1, 2019.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The current agenda of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state shall be the first agenda available at the top of the integrated agenda management platform.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iv)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
All agendas posted in the integrated agenda management platform shall comply with the requirements in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For the purposes of this paragraph, both of the following definitions shall apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Integrated agenda management platform” means an internet website of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state dedicated to providing the entirety of the agenda information for the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state to the public.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Legislative body” has the same meaning as that term is used in subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a political subdivision of a local agency that was established by the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school
district, or political subdivision established by the state.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that members of a legislative body or its staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights under Section 54954.3. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a member of a legislative body or its staff may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities. Furthermore, a member of a legislative body, or the body itself, subject to rules or procedures of the legislative body, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting
concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below. Prior to discussing any item pursuant to this subdivision, the legislative body shall publicly identify the item.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon a determination by a majority vote of the legislative body that an emergency situation exists, as defined in Section 54956.5.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members
present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in subdivision (a).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The item was posted pursuant to subdivision (a) for a prior meeting of the legislative body occurring not more than five calendar days prior to the date action is taken on the item, and at the prior meeting the item was continued to the meeting at which action is being taken.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
To consider action on a request from a member to participate in a meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances, pursuant to Section 54953, if the request does not allow sufficient time to place the proposed action on the posted agenda for the meeting for which the request is made. The legislative body may
approve such a request by a majority vote of the legislative body.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section is necessary to implement and reasonably within the scope of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of subdivision (a), the requirement that the agenda be posted on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one, shall only apply to a legislative body that meets either of the following standards:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (b) of Section 54952, if the members of the
legislative body are compensated for their appearance, and if one or more of the members of the legislative body are also members of a legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
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</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_E389AEA7-12E4-42D8-B3DC-A28F40FA549B">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 4.</ns0:Num>
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Section 54954.2 of the
<ns0:DocName>Government Code</ns0:DocName>
, as amended by Section
92 of Chapter 131 of the Statutes of 2023, is amended to read:
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_52839DF6-1A03-458C-B69E-79756823535C">
<ns0:Num>54954.2.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_383A41CE-C744-41B1-99DD-9D4828EE76DD">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words. The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular meeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and
the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. The agenda shall include information regarding how, to whom, and when a request for disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, may be made by a person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in the public meeting.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For a meeting occurring on and after January 1, 2019, of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website, the following provisions shall apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An online posting of an agenda shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that is accessible through a
prominent, direct link to the current agenda. The direct link to the agenda shall not be in a contextual menu; however, a link in addition to the direct link to the agenda may be accessible through a contextual menu.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An online posting of an agenda, including, but not limited to, an agenda posted in an integrated agenda management platform, shall be posted in an open format that meets all of the following requirements:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
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Retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically searchable by commonly used internet search applications.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
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Platform independent and machine readable.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
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Available to the public free of charge and without any restriction that would impede the reuse or redistribution of the agenda.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
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A legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website and an integrated agenda management platform shall not be required to comply with subparagraph (A) if all of the following are met:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
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A direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state. The direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall not be in a contextual menu. When a person clicks on the direct link to the integrated agenda management platform, the direct link shall take the person directly to an internet website with the agendas of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district,
school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
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The integrated agenda management platform may contain the prior agendas of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state for all meetings occurring on or after January 1, 2019.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
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The current agenda of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state shall be the first agenda available at the top of the integrated agenda management platform.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iv)
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All agendas posted in the integrated agenda management platform shall comply with the requirements in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
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For the purposes of this paragraph, both of the following definitions shall apply:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Integrated agenda management platform” means an internet website of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state dedicated to providing the entirety of the agenda information for the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state to the public.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
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“Legislative body” has the same meaning as that term is used in subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
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The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a political subdivision of a local agency that was established by the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school
district, or political subdivision established by the state.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that members of a legislative body or its staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights under Section 54954.3. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a member of a legislative body or its staff may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities. Furthermore, a member of a legislative body, or the body itself, subject to rules or procedures of the legislative body, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
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Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below. Prior to discussing any item pursuant to this subdivision, the legislative body shall publicly identify the item.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
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Upon a determination by a majority vote of the legislative body that an emergency situation exists, as defined in Section 54956.5.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in subdivision (a).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The item was posted pursuant to subdivision (a) for a prior meeting of the legislative body occurring not more than five calendar days prior to the date action is taken on the item, and at the prior meeting the item was continued to the meeting at which action is being taken.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
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This section is necessary to implement and reasonably within the scope of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of subdivision (a), the requirement that the agenda be posted on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one, shall only apply to a legislative body that meets either of the following standards:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section
54952.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (b) of Section 54952, if the members of the legislative body are compensated for their appearance, and if one or more of the members of the legislative body are also members of a legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
This section shall become operative January 1, 2030.
</html:p>
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</ns0:LawSection>
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</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_21DC2FC3-6111-4D58-92A5-C3CDDE8B62E1">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 5.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>The Legislature finds and declares that Sections 1 and 2 of this act, which amend and repeal Section 54953 of the Government Code, and Sections 3 and 4 of this act, which amend and repeal Section 54954.2 of the Government Code, impose a limitation on the public’s right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies within the meaning of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution. Pursuant to that constitutional provision, the Legislature makes the following findings to demonstrate the interest protected by this limitation and the need for protecting that interest:</html:p>
<html:p>By extending the alternative
teleconferencing procedure provisions and provisions relating to requests from members to
participate in those meetings remotely due to emergency circumstances, this act allows for greater accessibility to, and public participation in, teleconference meetings while preserving the public’s right to access information concerning the conduct of the people’s business.</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_4553C77F-10AF-482E-A3A5-D4874D474A42">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 6.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>The Legislature finds and declares that Sections 1 and 2 of this act, which amend and repeal Section 54953 of the Government Code, and Sections 3 and 4 of this act, which amend and repeal Section 54954.2 of the Government Code, further, within the meaning of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the purposes of that constitutional section as it relates to the right of public access to the meetings of local public bodies or the writings of local public officials and local agencies. Pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the Legislature makes the following findings:</html:p>
<html:p>This act is necessary to ensure greater accessibility to, and public
participation in, teleconference meetings.</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:BillSection>
</ns0:Bill>
</ns0:MeasureDoc>
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