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San Juan Capistrano adopts SB 707 policy to address telephonic and internet disruptions at meetings
Summary
The council unanimously adopted a policy required by SB 707 that sets procedures for pausing a meeting to restore telephonic or Internet access (including a one‑hour restoration attempt and a roll‑call determination). Councilors also discussed public‑posting translation and moderation.
On May 15 the San Juan Capistrano City Council unanimously adopted a policy to address telephonic or Internet service disruptions in public meetings, in response to Senate Bill 707.
City Clerk Christy J. Cole explained the policy implements SB 707's requirements for "eligible legislative bodies." The proposed policy requires the council to recess and attempt to restore service for at least one hour if remote participation is disrupted; if service cannot be restored the council must conduct a roll‑call vote confirming that good‑faith efforts to restore access were made and that the public interest favors continuing the meeting.
Council members asked practical questions about translated public postings and whether staff would review third‑party content on posting boards. Cole said the city will provide language indicating translations are not performed by the city and that staff will monitor public posting boards only to remove items that are not agenda‑related; the city is not responsible for verifying the accuracy of third‑party posts.
Council Member Farias asked about misinformation and translation accuracy; the clerk and city attorney said the city's obligation is to provide space for alternative language agendas and notice, not to vet external posts. After brief discussion the council adopted the policy by unanimous vote.
What's next: Staff will post the required language on public posting boards and implement the procedures for meeting disruptions.
