AB-259
Government Operations
Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.
Introduced
California
2025-2026 Regular Session
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Key Takeaways
  • Makes permanent the current temporary rules allowing local government bodies to conduct hybrid meetings with remote participation options that were set to expire in 2026.
  • Requires local agencies to provide both in-person and remote public participation options, including call-in and internet-based access for all meetings.
  • Allows government officials to participate remotely for specified reasons like medical emergencies or childcare needs, with limits on the number of remote meetings per year.
  • Mandates that at least a quorum of members must participate in-person from a public location within the agency's jurisdiction for standard meetings.
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Progress
10% progression
Bill has been formally introduced and read for the first time in its house of origin (1/16/2025)
Probability of Passing
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Summary

Assembly Member Blanca Rubio proposes permanently extending alternative teleconferencing procedures for local agency meetings, removing the January 1, 2026 expiration date from current law while maintaining existing requirements for public access and participation.

The legislation preserves core provisions that allow local agencies to conduct remote meetings when a quorum of members participates from a primary physical location open to the public. Agencies must provide both call-in and internet-based options for public attendance and comment, while members may participate remotely under defined circumstances of "just cause" or emergency. The number of remote appearances remains limited based on how frequently the body meets - ranging from two meetings annually for monthly bodies to seven for those meeting three or more times per month.

The measure retains requirements for agenda posting, public comment periods, and handling technical disruptions during remote meetings. Local agencies must continue providing disability accommodations and ensuring compliance with civil rights laws. For health authorities, the bill maintains flexibility allowing members outside the jurisdiction to count toward a quorum when at least half of the quorum participates from within the authority's boundaries.

The Legislature's findings state this indefinite extension aims to increase meeting accessibility while preserving public access to government business. The provisions apply to cities, counties, special districts, school districts and other local legislative bodies subject to open meeting laws.

Author
Blanca Rubio
Blanca RubioD
California State Assembly Member
Community Outlook
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Total Votes: 0
Key Dates
Read first time. To print.
Assembly Floor
Read first time. To print.
Read first time. To print.
Latest Voting History
No Voting History Available
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