The Del Mar City Council approved a public participation policy April 21 that will include a two-way telephonic service starting this July.
The changes were prompted by Senate Bill 707, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom last October. The law “significantly overhauls and standardizes key provisions of the Brown Act and is intended to increase public engagement in local government and modernize the Brown Act in the face of technological advancements,” according to a Del Mar council agenda report.
“Some exceptions include situations when adequate telephonic or internet service is not operational and appropriate distribution procedures are followed; if a meeting is taking place outside the usual meeting location under specified circumstances; or if the meeting is pursuant to an emergency situation,” according to the agenda report.
The updated policy also has provisions to “remove or limit participation by individuals engaging in disruptive behavior during teleconferenced or hybrid meetings,” as allowed by the law.
The technology needed to implement the new policy is covered by an already planned $63,000 upgrade to hardware and support services.
The bill was authored by state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, a Democrat from Los Angeles.
“For too long, working families and underrepresented communities have faced barriers to participating in local government,” Durazo said in a statement when the governor signed the bill. “A nurse working the night shift or a community college student juggling classes shouldn’t be shut out of civic engagement. SB 707 brings the Brown Act into the 21st century by expanding teleconferencing options and improving public access, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.”