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Solano County adopts SB 707 disruption policy for remote public access
Summary
The board unanimously adopted a policy required by SB 707 that requires the county to recess open session and make a good‑faith effort to restore remote access for at least one hour if teleconference or internet access is disrupted during Brown Act meetings.
Solano County adopted a policy May 12 to comply with Senate Bill 707, which amended the Ralph M. Brown Act to address interruptions of remote public access during hybrid and teleconferenced public meetings.
County counsel explained the policy requires staff to immediately notify the chair if remote access (telephonic or online) is disrupted during open session, suspend open session proceedings, and make a good‑faith effort to restore service for at least one hour. During that recess the board may proceed with a properly agendized closed session but may not resume open session business unless remote access is restored or the board adopts findings that good‑faith efforts were made and that the public interest in continuing outweighs the interest in maintaining remote access.
The board adopted the required policy by a unanimous vote (4–0). County counsel said the statute’s timeline required counties to have a policy in place by July 1, 2026; Solano codified the policy in May to ensure compliance and to provide staff with a standard operating procedure during technical failures.
The policy is procedural and focuses on access and equity for remote participants (including people with disabilities, caregivers and limited‑English speakers). The board recorded no dissent on the measure.
