Page 67 - BrownActHandbook
P. 67
the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. Actions taken on
agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the
meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1.
(E) The legislative body shall not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the
meeting and must provide an opportunity for the public to address the legislative body and offer
comment in real time.
(F) Notwithstanding Section 54953.3, an individual desiring to provide public comment through
the use of an internet website, or other online platform, not under the control of the local
legislative body, that requires registration to log in to a teleconference may be required to
register as required by the third-party internet website or online platform to participate.
(2) A member of the legislative body shall only participate in the meeting remotely pursuant to
this subdivision, if all of the following requirements are met:
(A) One of the following circumstances applies:
(i) The member notifies the legislative body at the earliest opportunity possible, including at the
start of a regular meeting, of their need to participate remotely for just cause, including a general
description of the circumstances relating to their need to appear remotely at the given meeting.
The provisions of this clause shall not be used by any member of the legislative body for more
than two meetings per calendar year.
(ii) The member requests the legislative body to allow them to participate in the meeting
remotely due to emergency circumstances and the legislative body takes action to approve the
request. The legislative body shall request a general description of the circumstances relating to
their need to appear remotely at the given meeting. A general description of an item generally
need not exceed 20 words and shall not require the member to disclose any medical diagnosis or
disability, or any personal medical information that is already exempt under existing law, such as
the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 56) of Part
2.6 of Division 1 of the Civil Code). For the purposes of this clause, the following requirements
apply:
(I) A member shall make a request to participate remotely at a meeting pursuant to this
clause as soon as possible. The member shall make a separate request for each meeting in which
they seek to participate remotely.
(II) The legislative body may take action on a request to participate remotely at the
earliest opportunity. If the request does not allow sufficient time to place proposed action on
such a request on the posted agenda for the meeting for which the request is made, the legislative
body may take action at the beginning of the meeting in accordance with paragraph (4) of
subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2.
(B) The member shall publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any
other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the
member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with any such individuals.
2025 Brown Act Handbook LozanoSmith.com 55