Bill > SB239

This bill provides new guidelines for "subsidiary bodies" (advisory groups that cannot take final actions) to conduct teleconference meetings with more flexible rules. Under the proposed law, these subsidiary bodies can use teleconferencing if they meet several requirements: all members must participate through audio and visual technology, provide at least one public access method for remote observation and participation (like a two-way audiovisual platform), designate physical meeting locations within their jurisdiction, ensure staff are present at those locations, post agendas at physical locations, and allow real-time public comments. Members must visibly appear on camera during open meetings, publicly disclose other individuals present in their remote location, and be listed in meeting minutes. The legislative body that creates the subsidiary body must approve teleconferencing by majority vote every 12 months, finding that such meetings would enhance public access and promote member diversity. The subsidiary body itself must approve teleconferencing by a two-thirds vote. The bill does not apply to bodies overseeing police, elections, or budgets, and any elected officials must follow existing teleconferencing rules. These provisions will remain in effect until January 1, 2030, and are designed to balance public access to meetings with protecting the privacy and personal information of public officials.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB239