Title
Consider approving and adopting the:
a. County of Monterey Eligible Legislative Body policy relating to disruption of real-time, two-way communication pursuant to Government Code section 54953.4; and
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve and adopt the:
a. County of Monterey Eligible Legislative Body policy relating to disruption of real-time, two-way communication pursuant to Government Code section 54953.4; and
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill 707, signed into law in October 2025 and known as the Brown Act Modernization Act, updated California's Ralph M. Brown Act (Gov. Code § 54950 et seq.) to modernize open meeting requirements and expand public access. This requires “Eligible Legislative Bodies” provide real-time, two-way communications to the public during meetings (with few exceptions). The law also requires the Board of Supervisors to adopt a policy to address disruptions to real-time, two-way communication on or before July 1, 2026.
The County of Monterey’s Board of Supervisors is the only Eligible Legislative Body known to exist in Monterey County. The law does not extend to the Board of Supervisor’ committees or commissions. The policy contains definitions and procedures.
DISCUSSION:
The general process to address disruptions to real-time, two-way communications requires the Clerk of the Board to notify the Chair of the disruption, and then for the meeting to temporarily halt while staff attempts to restore real-time, two-way communications. If the disruption is brief, then the meeting will continue as soon as practical. If the timeframe in which real-time, two-way will be restored is unknown, the Board may either adjourn to closed session, or adjourn entirely for some period of time.
If real-time, two-way communication is restored during adjournment, the meeting may proceed as soon as a quorum is establi...
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