Report Prepared by: Ronda Lucas, Chief Deputy City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Presentation and Discussion of Senate Bill 707 Teleconferencing Rule Changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act (“Brown Act”)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff will provide an overview of the legal changes to the teleconferencing rules contains in the Brown Act as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 707 in 2025 and their impact on the City. This is the second presentation on this topic, with the first presentation occurring at the April 6, 2026 Merced City Council Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Discuss and provide direction to staff for further implementation and planning purposes.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Provide direction to staff; or
2. Request additional information; or
3. Continue the matter to a date certain; or
4. Decline to act.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
During the 2025 legislative session, State Legislators passed and the California Governor signed Senate Bill 707 (“S.B. 707”) which amends the Brown Act for local government legislative bodies changing the way public meetings are held. At the April 6, 2026 Merced City Council meeting, staff presented an overview of aspects of the S.B. 707 Brown Act changes. This presentation is the second and final presentation and focuses on the teleconferencing rule changes contained within S.B. 707 that are applicable to the City of Merced.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presentation