Report Prepared by: Ronda Lucas, Chief Deputy City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Presentation and Discussion of Senate Bill 707 Overhaul of the Ralph M. Brown Act (“Brown Act”)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff will provide an overview of the legal changes to the Brown Act as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 707 in 2025 and their impact on the City.
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 which amends the Ralph M. Brown Act for eligible legislative bodies to make changes to the way public meetings are held. This legislation constitutes the first major modernization in decades. S.B. 707 enacted substantial changes to and reorganization of the Brown Act. The City Attorney’s Office will provide a presentation on what those changes are and how they effect the City of Merced’s holding of public meetings, particularly with respect to the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presentation