AB 259: Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, the Ralph M. Brown Act, requires, with specified exceptions, that all meetings of a legislative body, as defined, of a local agency be open and public and that all persons be permitted to attend and participate. The act authorizes the legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing, as specified, and requires a legislative body of a local agency that elects to use teleconferencing to comply with specified requirements, including that the local agency post agendas at all teleconference locations, identify each teleconference location in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and have each teleconference location be accessible to the public.

Existing law, until January 1, 2026, authorizes the legislative body of a local agency to use alternative teleconferencing if, during the teleconference meeting, at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a singular physical location clearly identified on the agenda that is open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, and the legislative body complies with prescribed requirements. Existing law requires a member to satisfy specified requirements to participate in a meeting remotely pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions, including that specified circumstances apply. Existing law establishes limits on the number of meetings a member may participate in solely by teleconference from a remote location pursuant to these alternative teleconferencing provisions, including prohibiting such participation for more than 2 meetings per year if the legislative body regularly meets once per month or less.

This bill would extend the alternative teleconferencing procedures until January 1, 2030.

Existing law authorizes a member to participate remotely pursuant to the alternative teleconferencing provisions described above under specified circumstances, including participating due to emergency circumstances. Under existing law, the emergency circumstances basis for remote participation is contingent on a request to, and action by, the legislative body, as prescribed.

Existing law generally requires the legislative body of the local agency or its designee, at least 72 hours before a regular meeting, to post an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session, as specified. Existing law, until January 1, 2026, authorizes a legislative body, notwithstanding that provision, to consider and take action on a request from a member to participate in a meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances if the request does not allow sufficient time to place the proposed action on the posted agenda for the meeting for which the request is made, as specified.

This bill would extend the authorization for a legislative body of a local agency to consider and take action on a request from a member to participate in a meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances as described above until January 1, 2030.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 27, 2025In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2. May 14, 2025Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and JUD.
3. May 6, 2025In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
4. May 5, 2025Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 73. Noes 0. Page 1421.)
5. April 22, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
6. April 21, 2025Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
7. April 10, 2025From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 9).
8. February 10, 2025Referred to Com. on L. GOV.
9. January 17, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee February 16.
10. January 16, 2025Read first time. To print.