Page 128 - BrownActHandbook

SAMPLE REMOTE MEETING SCRIPT FOR
INDIVIDUAL EMERGENCY EXCEPTION
*
[To be read immediately upon opening of meeting]

Mayor/Board President/Chairperson:

We were informed today that Council Member/Board Member ___________ is unable to attend
the meeting tonight in person due to a physical or family medical emergency. Pursuant to
Government Code section 54953(f), the Council/Board is permitted to allow Council
Member/Board Member ___________ to participate in the meeting remotely under these
circumstances. This is despite the matter of remote attendance not being on the published
agenda.

[Provide a brief description of the circumstances relating to the members need to attend
remotely. Do not disclose confidential medical information.]

Mayor/Board President/Chairperson: Do I have a motion to allow Council Member/Board
Member ___________ to attend tonight’s meeting remotely?

[Motion made, seconded, discussion]

Mayor/Board President/Chairperson: Before we take action, is there any public comment on
this matter?

[Take any public comment]

Mayor/Board President/Chairperson: We will now vote on the motion to allow Council
Member/Board Member ___________ to attend tonight’s meeting remotely. Please note that
this motion must receive a two-thirds vote to pass, meaning four affirmative votes, and Council
Member/Board Member ___________ will not participate in the vote.

[Take vote; Council Member/Board Member ___________ should not participate in the
vote, as the member has not yet been allowed to participate remotely]

Mayor/Board President/Chairperson: The motion passes. I want to note that because the
Council Member/Board Member will be attending remotely, members of the public will also be
able to attend the meeting remotely. Can staff please address how that can be accomplished?

[Staff to explain remote access by public]

Mayor/Board President/Chairperson: Thank you. Finally, there is one last statutory
requirement in relation to this emergency remote attendance. Before any votes on action items
this evening, Council Member/Board Member ___________ must identify if there are any
individuals 18 years of age or older in the room when voting, and if so, the relationship of that
person to the member.

116 2025 Brown Act Handbook LozanoSmith.com