Adopt Resolution No. 2026-26 approving the SB 707 Remote Participation and Technology Disruption Policy.

The Legislature of the State of California adopted Senate Bill 707 in 2025, which added Government Code Section 54953.4 to the Brown Act. Among other things, SB 707 requires the City Council to provide real-time remote public participation at City Council meetings either through a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform no later than July 1, 2026. Additionally, Section 54953.4 requires the City Council to adopt a policy addressing disruptions to the technology that could prevent members of the public from participating remotely. That policy is attached for the City Council’s consideration.

In summary, the policy requires the City to make in good faith efforts to restore the telephonic or internet-based service in the event a disruption occurs that prevents members of the public from participating remotely. The City must engage in those efforts for at least an hour, or until the connection is restored, whichever occurs first. If the City cannot restore the connection after one hour of good faith efforts, the City Council may proceed with the meeting after making specific findings that the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote participation.