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 ar...
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