California lawmakers are attempting for the third year to weaken the open-meeting law by introducing Senate Bill 707. This bill, championed as a modernization effort, would enable local government advisory committees to meet virtually, significantly reducing public access to meetings that often convey critical policy recommendations. Many opponents, including various civic and media organizations, argue that such a shift undermines the transparency intended by the original Brown Act. The act was designed to ensure that both decision-making and the processes leading to decisions remain open to public scrutiny, fostering accountability in local government.
The pending bill, which is similar to unsuccessful efforts in 2024 and 2023, would be a step toward government solely by teleconference, in which members of the public and press might never see meetings in person, never be able to approach board members with questions or suggestions, and never be able to observe the body language between them.
These are important boards whose recommendations are often sent to the final decision-makers - a city council, school board or county board of supervisors - for quick and perfunctory ratification.
The goal of the Brown Act - originally passed in 1953 and updated and strengthened since - was to sunshine not just the final decision-making, but also the process that led up to it.
Senate Bill 707 is a confusing mess that, most significantly, would allow key local government advisory committees to meet completely virtually.
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