TITLE:
title
UPDATE ON SB 707 AND ADOPT THE COUNCIL POLICY FOR DISRUPTION OF TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE DURING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
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DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DIVISION
PRESENTED BY: BRENDA GREEN, CITY CLERK
CONTACT INFORMATION: BRENDA GREEN, CITY CLERK (714) 754-5221
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Receive and file the informational update report on Senate Bill (SB) 707.
2. Adopt the Council Policy for Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During City Council Meetings.
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BACKGROUND:
On October 3, 2025, Governor Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), which amends the Brown Act to diversify and increase public engagement during City Council meetings, which applies to Costa Mesa. Some provisions of SB 707 went into effect on January 1, 2026. However, the most significant changes under SB 707 will become effective on July 1, 2026.
SB 707 updates provisions related to teleconferencing, including requirements for remote participation, accessibility, and procedures for addressing disruptions to meeting access for City Council meetings. Among other requirements, SB 707 requires the City Council to adopt a technology disruption policy and to determine what constitutes reasonable efforts for outreach to encourage public participation in City Council meetings, particularly among underrepresented and non-English-speaking communities. These policies must be adopted by July 1, 2026.
ANALYSIS:
Technology Disruption Policy
Among the new requirements under SB 707, City Council meetings must provide hybrid meetings through a two-way telephonic or audiovisual platform. When an audiovisual platform is used, automatic closed captioning is also required. The City has utilized Zoom for its meetings since 2020, which satisfies these requirements, including the provision of closed captioning, which is offered in multiple languages. Staff will continue using Zoom for meetings as this is now mand...
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