California’s Ralph M. Brown Act guarantees transparency in actions of local legislative bodies by ensuring the public's right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies. Codified under California Government Code sections 54950 et seq., the Brown Act covers essentially every type of local government body, elected or appointed, decision-making or advisory. Some types of private organizations are also covered, as are newly elected members of a legislative body, even before taking office. Recent legislation requires charter schools to meet the same transparency and accountability requirements as all other schools that receive taxpayer funding, including requiring compliance with the Brown Act.

In this webinar, BBK attorneys Holland Stewart and Elleasse Taylor cover key provisions of the “open and public” law and some authorized exceptions. The discussion will also highlight:

The Brown Act’s purpose
To whom it applies
What constitutes a “meeting”
Where meetings can be held, including teleconferencing
Notice and agenda requirements
Common mistakes
Enforcement options
Following the Brown Act in the age of technology

This activity has been approved for minimum continuing legal education by the State Bar of California in the amount of 1.5 hours of General Participatory credit. Best Best & Krieger LLP certifies that this activity conforms to the standards of approved educational activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education. Best Best & Krieger LLP is a State Bar of California Approved Provider, #1035.