Harsher Restrictions: Removes a requirement that members of an appointed legislative body must be appointed by or under the authority of the elected legislative body in order for the legislative body to impose harsher open and public meeting requirements. Special & Emergency Meetings: Removes a requirement that only specified legislative bodies must comply with the internet website posting and notice requirements for special or emergency meetings, and thus imposes the same posting and notice requirements on all legislative bodies. Extends the Social Media Rules Indefinitely: Existing law permits a member engaging in separate conversations or communications outside of a meeting with any other person using an internet-based social media platform for specified purposes. However, this is provided that the majority of members do not use the platform to discuss business of a specific nature that falls within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. This bill makes this exception indefinite. Notably, some other updates or changes enacted by SB 707 do not actually alter the substance of the law, but simply move and regroup the information into a more readable and trackable format within the Brown Act. These changes were intended to address common complaints and overall feedback on the organization of the Brown Act. Please note that most updates to the Brown Act under SB 707 will become effective on January 1, 2026, while those specifically applying to eligible legislative bodies will take effect on July 1, 2026. Further, some provisions of SB 707 will expire on January 1, 2030, unless later extended by the Legislature.
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