TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Senate Bill 707
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consideration of Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) - Open meetings: meeting and teleconference requirements and staff’s recommended amendments.
Staff Contact:
Claudia Burgos, Interim Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications
Linda A. Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
While there is no strategic importance associated with this specific report, policy decisions at all levels of government can positively or negatively affect District operations and revenues and, as such, are important to track and influence as needed.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report. However, the passage of SB 707 in its current form will result in yet to be determined costs associated with its implementation and is expected to result in escalating costs for language assistance services and possibly additional staff costs in future fiscal years.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
At its July 25, 2025, meeting, the AC Transit Board of Directors adopted an "Oppose Unless Amended" position on SB 707, a bill proposing major revisions to the Brown Act. While the legislation includes useful clarifications-particularly around teleconferencing-and promotes greater public access, other provisions, though well-intentioned, have raised implementation concerns among cities, counties, and special districts across California. As part of its action, the Board directed staff to develop and return with proposed amendments, which are outlined with supporting rationale in Attachment 1 and summarized below:
1. Clarification of Language Requirements
Issue: The bill defines “applicable languages” based on local demographics, but AC Transit's multi-jurisdictional boundaries make it unclear which area(s) to use for this determination.
Request: Clearer guidance is needed to ensure accurate and consistent compliance with the law.
2. Agenda Translation Requirements
Issue: Mandating agenda translations for all applicable languages may result in costly, unused translations.
Recommendation: Use a request-based approach, similar to current accommodation practices, to balance accessibility and practicality.
Website Concerns: Requiring fully translated webpages and homepage links adds cost and complexity, especially for agencies using third-party vendors.
Scope Confusion: Only Board agendas require translation, excluding other meeting materials and committees-leading to inconsistency and possible public confusion.
3. Unofficial Agenda Translations
Issue: Allowing the public to post unofficial translations at agency offices could cause confusion, spread misinformation, and appear as District-endorsed content.
Request: Remove this provision from the bill to avoid reputational risks and posting space issues, while still allowing third parties to distribute translations independently.
4. Implementation Timeline
Concern: The current January 1, 2026, deadline does not give agencies enough time, especially those dependent on outside vendors.
Request: Extend the implementation date to January 1, 2027, allowing for proper planning and budgeting.
Overall Position:
AC Transit supports improved access to public meetings but seeks greater clarity, practical flexibility, protection from misinformation, and adequate time for compliance.
In addition, staff has included as Attachment 2 the Assembly Committee on Local Government’s analysis of the bill, which includes a list of organizations that have registered positions on the bill.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
SB 707 offers clear advantages by promoting greater public access and equity, particularly through teleconferencing provisions and requirements to translate meeting agendas into languages spoken by significant portions of the community. These measures help standardize expectations and support inclusion of limited-English-proficient populations. However, the bill also presents several challenges. Agencies with multi-jurisdictional boundaries face uncertainty in determining which demographic data to use for language requirements. The mandate to translate agendas and maintain multiple translated webpages can impose significant financial and administrative burdens, especially when many translations may go unused. Additionally, the limited scope of translation-focusing only on agendas and no other meeting materials-could lead to public confusion. Allowing unofficial translations to be posted at agency offices raises concerns about misinformation and reputational risks. Finally, the tight implementation timeline may not provide sufficient time for agencies to adequately plan and budget for these changes.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Staff has presented what it considers to be reasonable solutions to enhance public access, while carefully considering limitations related to staffing, financial resources, and practical implementation. Although staff recommends a comprehensive approach to the proposed amendments, the Board retains the discretion to make an alternative determination. Taking all factors into account, staff believes that, at a minimum, addressing the implementation timeline is the most critical issue requiring resolution if the Board does not see fit to consider staff’s other recommendations.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
SR 25-385 - Monthly Legislative Report
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Suggested Amendments to SB 707
2. Assembly Committee on Local Government’s Bill Analysis
Prepared by:
Linda Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
Claudia Burgos, Interim Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications
Approved/Reviewed by:
Linda A. Nemeroff, Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
Claudia Burgos, Interim Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications
Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer