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

Cost: $75 per person

^{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.}