California’s Ralph M. Brown Act has long served as the cornerstone of transparency in local government, guaranteeing the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies. Codified under Government Code sections 54950 et seq., the Brown Act applies broadly to elected and appointed bodies, decision-making and advisory groups, certain private organizations, and even newly elected officials prior to taking office. Recent legislative developments—including expanded transparency requirements for charter schools—underscore the continuing evolution and importance of open meeting laws in California.

Signed into law during the Fall 2025, Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) represents a significant step in modernizing the Brown Act to reflect today’s technological realities and accessibility needs. It will reshape how public agencies conduct with respect to teleconferencing and remote participation. 

In this timely webinar, BBK attorneys Holland Stewart and Marisa Galvez provide a practical overview of the Brown Act’s core requirements alongside a focused discussion of how SB 707 modifies and expands existing rules. Designed for public officials, agency staff, and legal practitioners, this session will help attendees understand both the foundational principles of open meetings law and how to implement compliant procedures under the new legislation.

The discussion will also highlight:

• The Brown Act’s goals, transparency principles and impact of SB 707
• Which legislative bodies and organizations are covered under the Brown Act 
• SB 707 “Eligible Legislative Bodies” and new category obligations
• What constitutes a “meeting” under the law
• Updated teleconferencing, accessibility, and remote participation rules
• Notice and agenda requirements
• Common Brown Act compliance pitfalls
• Enforcement options and potential consequences 
• The Brown Act in the age of technology