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(2) A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (b) of Section 54952, if the
members of the legislative body are compensated for their appearance, and if one or more of the
members of the legislative body are also members of a legislative body as that term is defined by
subdivision (a) of Section 54952.

54954.3. Opportunity for public to address legislative body; adoption of regulations

(a) Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to
directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the
legislative body’s consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the
legislative body, provided that no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda
unless the action is otherwise authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2. However, the
agenda need not provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body
on any item that has already been considered by a committee, composed exclusively of members
of the legislative body, at a public meeting wherein all interested members of the public were
afforded the opportunity to address the committee on the item, before or during the committee’s
consideration of the item, unless the item has been substantially changed since the committee
heard the item, as determined by the legislative body. Every notice for a special meeting shall
provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body
concerning any item that has been described in the notice for the meeting before or during
consideration of that item.

(b) (1) The legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable regulations to ensure that
the intent of subdivision (a) is carried out, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the
total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual
speaker.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when the legislative body of a local agency limits time for
public comment, the legislative body of a local agency shall provide at least twice the allotted
time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non-English speakers
receive the same opportunity to directly address the legislative body of a local agency.

(3) Paragraph (2) shall not apply if the legislative body of a local agency utilizes simultaneous
translation equipment in a manner that allows the legislative body of a local agency to hear the
translated public testimony simultaneously.

(c) The legislative body of a local agency shall not prohibit public criticism of the policies,
procedures, programs, or services of the agency, or of the acts or omissions of the legislative
body. Nothing in this subdivision shall confer any privilege or protection for expression beyond
that otherwise provided by law.

54954.4. Reimbursements to local agencies and school districts for costs

(a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that Section 12 of Chapter 641 of the Statutes of
1986, authorizing reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for costs mandated by the
state pursuant to that act, shall be interpreted strictly. The intent of the Legislature is to provide

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