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Final - 2016 Brown Act Handbook
TableofContents RalphM.BrownAct Page i ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 TableofContents INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................ii SUMMARYOFTHEMAJORPROVISIONSANDREQUIREMENTS OFTHERALPHM.BROWNACT............................................................................................1 THERALPHM.BROWNACT...............................................................................................17 Introduction RalphM.BrownAct Page ii ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 INTRODUCTION ThisHandbookispreparedtoprovideyouwithasummaryofthemajorprovisionsof California’sopenmeetinglawforlocalgovernments–theRalphM.BrownAct,including rulesaboutcallingandholdingvarioustypesofmeetingsandclosedsessions,aswellas guidelinesforhowtoavoidserialmeetings.Thesecondpartcontainsthecompletetextof theBrownAct.ThisHandbookisdesignedforlocalgovernmentofficialsandstaffandwe hopeyouwillfindituseful.Shouldyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheinformationincluded inthisHandbook,pleasedonothesitatetocontactus. __________________________________________ Richards,Watson&Gershon SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 1 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 SUMMARYOFTHEMAJORPROVISIONSAND REQUIREMENTSOFTHERALPHM.BROWNACT TheRalphM.BrownAct,morecommonlyknownasthe“BrownAct,”isCalifornia’s “sunshine”lawforlocalgovernment.TheBrownActisfoundintheCaliforniaGovernment CodecommencingwithSection54950.Inanutshell,theBrownActrequireslocal governmentbusinesstobeconductedatopenandpublicmeetings,exceptincertain limitedsituations.Thispaperbrieflysummarizesanddiscussesthemajorprovisionsofthe BrownAct. I.APPLICATIONOFBROWNACTTO“LEGISLATIVEBODIES” TherequirementsoftheBrownActapplyto“legislativebodies”oflocalgovernmental agencies.Theterm“legislativebody”isdefinedtoincludethegoverningbodyofalocal agency(e.g.,thecitycouncilortheboardofsupervisors)andanycommission,committee, board,orotherbodyofthelocalagency,whetherpermanentortemporary,decisionmaking oradvisory,thatiscreatedbyformalactionofalegislativebody.§54952(a)-(b). Standingcommitteesofalegislativebody,thathaveeither“continuingsubjectmatter jurisdiction”orameetingschedulefixedbyformalactionofthelegislativebody,arealso subjecttotherequirementsoftheBrownAct.Somecommonexamplesincludethefinance, personnel,orsimilarpolicysubcommitteesofalegislativebody.Standingcommitteesexist tomakeroutine,regularrecommendationsonaspecificsubjectmatter.Thesecommittees continuetoexistovertimeandsurviveresolutionofanyoneissueormatter.Theyarealso aregularpartofthegovernmentalstructure. TheBrownActdoesnotapplyto“adhoc”committeescomprisedsolelyofmembersofthe legislativebodythatarelessthanaquorumofthebody,providedthesecommitteesdonot havea“continuingsubjectmatterjurisdiction,”orameetingschedulefixedbyformal actionofthelegislativebody.Suchadhoccommitteesarepurelyadvisory;theygenerally serveonlyalimitedorsinglepurpose,arenotperpetual,andaredissolvedwhentheir specifictaskiscompleted. Advisoryandstandingcommittees,butnotadhoccommittees,arerequiredtohave agendas,andtohavetheiragendaspostedatleast72hoursinadvanceofitsmeetings.If thisisdone,themeetingisconsideredtobearegularmeetingforallpurposes.Ifthe agendaisnotpostedatleast72hoursinadvance,themeetingmustbetreatedasaspecial meeting,andallofthelimitationsandrequirementsforspecialmeetingsapply,as discussedlater. SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 2 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Thegoverningboardsofsomeprivatecorporations,limitedliabilitycompanies,andprivate entitiesmaybesubjecttotheBrownActundercertaincircumstances.Aprivateentity’s governingboardconstitutesalegislativebodywithinthemeaningoftheBrownActifeither ofthefollowingapplies:(i)theprivateentityiscreatedbyanelectedlegislativebodyto exerciselawfullydelegatedauthorityofthelegislativebody;or(ii)theprivateentityreceives fundsfromalocalagencyanditsgoverningboardincludesamemberofthelegislativebody ofthelocalagencywhowasappointedbythelegislativebodytothegoverningboardasa fullvotingmember.§54952(c). TheBrownActalsoappliestopersonswhoareelectedtoserveasmembersofalegislative bodyofalocalagencyevenbeforetheyassumethedutiesofoffice.§54952.1.Underthis provision,thestatuteisapplicabletonewlyelected,butnot-yet-sworn-in,citycouncil membersandmembersofcountyboardsofsupervisors. II.DEFINITIONOF“MEETING” ThecentralprovisionoftheBrownActrequiresthatall“meetings”ofalegislativebodybe openandpublic.TheBrownActdefinestheterm“meeting”verybroadly,§54952.2,and encompassesalmosteverygatheringofamajorityoflegislativebodymembers,including: Anycongregationofamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodyatthe sametimeandlocation...tohear,discuss,deliberate,ortakeactiononany itemthatiswithinthesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthelegislativebody. InplainEnglish,thisdefinitionmeansthatameetingisanygatheringofamajorityof councilmembers,boardofdirectors,orotherapplicablelegislativebody,tohear,discuss ordeliberateanyitemoflocalagencybusinessorpotentiallocalagencybusiness. III.EXCEPTIONSTOMEETINGREQUIREMENT TherearesixtypesofgatheringsthatarenotsubjecttotheBrownAct.Wecommonlyrefer totheseexceptionsas:(1)theindividualcontactexception;(2)theseminarorconference exception;(3)thecommunitymeetingexception;(4)theotherlegislativebodyexception; (5)thesocialorceremonialoccasionexception;and(6)thestandingcommitteeexception. Unlessagatheringofamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodyfallswithinoneofthe exceptionsdiscussedbelow,ifamajorityofmembersareinthesameroomandmerely listentoadiscussionoflocalagencybusiness,theywillbeparticipatinginameetingwithin themeaningoftheBrownActthatrequiresnotice,anagenda,andaperiodforpublic comment. A.TheIndividualContactException Conversations,whetherinperson,bytelephoneorothermeans,betweenamemberofa legislativebodyandanyotherpersondoesnotconstituteameetingundertheBrownAct. §54952.2(c)(1).However,suchcontactsmayconstitutea“serialmeeting”(discussed SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 3 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 below)inviolationoftheBrownAct,iftheindividualalsomakesaseriesofindividual contactswithothermembersofthelegislativebody,andcommunicationswiththeseother membersareusedto“discuss,deliberate,ortakeactiononanyitemofbusinessthatis withinthesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthelegislativebody.” B.TheSeminarorConferenceException Attendancebyamajorityofthelegislativebodyataseminar,conference,orsimilar educationalgatheringisgenerallyexemptedfromBrownActrequirements.§54952.2(c)(2). However,inordertoqualifyunderthisexception,theseminarorconferencemustbeopen tothepublicandmustinvolveissuesofgeneralinteresttothepublicortolocalagencies. AttendanceataCaliforniaLeagueofCitiesorCaliforniaContractCitiesseminarisan exampleofaneducationalgatheringthatfulfillstheserequirements.However,this exceptionwillnotapplytoaconferenceorseminarifamajorityoflegislativebodymembers discussamongthemselvesitemsofspecificbusinessrelatingtotheirownlocalagency otherthanaspartofthescheduledprogram. C.TheCommunityMeetingException Thecommunitymeetingexceptionallowsamajorityoflegislativebodymemberstoattend privatelysponsoredneighborhoodmeetings,townhallforums,chamberofcommerce lunchesorothercommunitymeetingsatwhichissuesoflocalinterestarediscussed. §54952.2(c)(3).Inordertofallwithinthisexception,however,membersofthelegislative bodymustobserveseveralrulesthatlimitthisexception.First,thecommunitymeeting mustbe“openandpublicized.”Therefore,attendancebyamajorityofthelegislativebody atahomeownersassociationmeetingthatislimitedtotheresidentsofaparticular developmentandonlypublicizedamongmembersofthatdevelopmentwouldnotqualify forthisexemption.Also,aswiththeotherexceptions,amajorityoflegislativebody memberscannotdiscussamongthemselvesitemsofbusinessoftheirownlocalagency otherthanaspartofthescheduledprogram. D.TheOtherLegislativeBodyException Thisexceptionallowsamajorityofmembersofanylegislativebodytoattendopenand noticedmeetingsofotherlegislativebodiesoftheirlocalagency,orofanotherlocalagency, withouttreatingsuchattendanceasameetingofthebody.§54952.2(c)(4).Ofcourse,as withothermeetingexceptions,thelegislativebodymembersareprohibitedfromdiscussing itemsofbusinessoftheirlocalagencyamongthemselvesotherthanaspartofthe scheduledmeeting. E.TheSocialorCeremonialOccasionException Ashasalwaysbeenthecase,theBrownActdoesnotapplytoattendancebyamajorityof thelegislativebodymembersatpurelysocialorceremonialoccasions.§54952.2(c)(5). SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 4 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Thisexceptiononlyappliesifamajorityoflegislativebodymembersdonotdiscussamong themselvesitemsofbusinessoftheirlocalagency. F.TheStandingCommitteeException Thestandingcommitteeexceptionallowsmembersofalegislativebody,whoarenot membersofastandingcommitteeofthatbody,toattendanopenandnoticedmeetingof thecommitteewithoutmakingthegatheringameetingofthefulllegislativebodyitself. §54952.2(c)(6).Theexceptionappliesonlyinthesituationwheretheattendanceata standingcommitteemeetingbylegislativebodymemberswhoarenotstandingcommittee memberswouldcreateagatheringofamajorityofthelegislativebody(andtherefore,a “meeting”ofthelegislativebody);otherwise,thereisno“meeting”undertheBrownAct.In ordertofallwithinthestandingcommitteeexception,thelegislativebodymemberswhoare notmembersofthestandingcommitteemayattendonlyas“observers.”Thismeansthat thenoncommitteemembersofthelegislativebodyshouldnotspeakatthestanding committee’smeeting,sitintheirusualseatonthedais,orotherwiseparticipateinthe meeting.Toavoidthisawkwardsituation,itisgenerallyrecommendedthat,ifastanding committeemeetingislikelytobeattendedbyotherlegislativebodymembers,thenthe meetingshouldbeagendizedasameetingofthewholelegislativebody.Thiswillallowfull participationbyallmembersofthelegislativebody. IV.PERMITTEDLOCATIONSOFMEETINGSANDTELECONFERENCING TheBrownActgenerallyrequiresallmeetingsofalegislativebodytooccurwithinthe boundariesofthelocalagency.§54954(b).Thereareexceptionstothisrule,however, suchasallowingmeetingswithalegislativebodyofanotherlocalagencyinthatagency’s jurisdiction.Meetingsheldoutsideofalocalagency’sboundariespursuanttoanexception stillmustcomplywithagendaandnoticerequirements,whicharediscussedbelow. “Teleconferencing”maybeusedasamethodforconductingmeetingswherebymembersof alegislativebodymaybecountedtowardsaquorumandparticipatefullyinthemeeting fromremotelocations.§54953(b).Ifamemberparticipatesinameetingvia teleconferencing,thefollowingrequirementsapply:(1)theremotelocationsmustbe connectedtothemainmeetinglocationbytelephone,videoorboth;(2)thenoticeand agendaofthemeetingmustidentifytheremotelocations;(3)theremotelocationsmustbe postedandaccessibletothepublic;(4)allvotesmustbebyrollcall;and(5)themeeting mustinallrespectscomplywiththeBrownAct,includingparticipationbymembersofthe publicpresentinremotelocations.Aquorumofthelegislativebodymustparticipatefrom locationswithinthejurisdiction,butothermembersmayparticipatefromoutsidethe jurisdiction.Theteleconferencingrulesonlyapplytomembersofthelegislativebody.Staff members,attorneys,orconsultantsmayparticipateremotelywithoutfollowingtheposting andpublicaccessrequirementsoftheteleconferencingrules. SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 5 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 V.ADACOMPLIANCE PursuanttoSection54953.2,allmeetingsofalegislativebody,otherthanclosedsession meetingsorpartsofmeetingsinvolvingaclosedsession,arerequiredtobeheldina locationandconductedinamannerthatcomplieswiththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct of1990.Inaddition,ifrequested,theagendaanddocumentsintheagendapacketshallbe madeavailableinalternativeformatstopersonswithadisability.§54954.1.Theagenda shallincludeinformationregardinghow,towhom,andwhenarequestfordisability-related modificationoraccommodation,includingauxiliaryaidsorservices,maybemadebya personwithadisabilitywhorequiresamodificationoraccommodationinorderto participateinthemeeting.§54954.2. VI.SIMULTANEOUSORSUCCESSIVEMEETINGS Alegislativebodythathasconvenedameetingandwhosemembershipconstitutesa quorumofanyotherlegislativebodymayconveneameetingofthatotherlegislativebody, simultaneouslyorsuccessively,onlyifaclerkoramemberoftheconvenedlegislativebody makesaverbalannouncementpriortoconveninganysimultaneousorsuccessivemeeting. Theclerkormemberofthelegislativebodymustannouncethesubsequentlegislative body,theamountofcompensationorstipend,ifany,thateachmemberwillbeentitledto receiveasaresultofconveningthesimultaneousorsuccessivemeetingofthesubsequent legislativebodyandtheforminwhichthecompensationorstipendshallbeprovidedasa resultofconveningameetingforwhicheachmemberisentitledtocollectcompensationor astipend.Thecompensationandstipendisnotrequiredtobeannouncedifitislistedina statutewithoutadditionalcompensationauthorizedbythelocalagency,andinanycase, theannouncedcompensationmustnotincludeamountsreimbursedforactualand necessaryexpensesincurredbyamemberintheperformanceofhisorherofficialduties. §54952.3. VII.SERIALMEETINGS Inadditiontoregulatingallgatheringsofamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebody, theBrownActalsoaddressescertaincontactsbetweenindividualmembersofthe legislativebody.Ontheonehand,theBrownActspecificallyprovidesthatnothinginthe Actisintendedtoimposerequirementsonindividualcontactsorconversationsbetweena memberofalegislativebodyandanyotherperson.§54952.2(c)(1).Thisprovisioneven appliestoindividualcontactsbetweentwomembersofthelegislativebody(theindividual contactexceptiontothe“meeting”describedabove).Despitethisexception,however,the BrownActprohibits‘serialmeetings.’§54952.2(b)(1). Aserialmeetingisaseriesofmeetingsorcommunicationsbetweenindividualmembersof thelegislativebodyinwhichideasareexchangedamongamajorityofalegislativebody througheitheroneormorepersonsactingasintermediariesorthroughuseoftelephone, telephoneansweringmachine,e-mail,orvoicemail.Aserialmeetingcanoccureven SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 6 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 thoughamajorityoflegislativebodymembersnevergatherinaroomatthesametime,and ittypicallyoccursinoneoftwoways.Thefirstiswhenastaffmember,alegislativebody member,orsomeotherpersonindividuallycontactsamajorityoflegislativebodymembers andsharesideasamongthemajority(“I’vetalkedtomembersAandBandtheywillvote ‘yes.’Willyou?”).Alternatively,memberAcallsmemberB,whothencallsmemberC,and soon,untilamajorityofthelegislativebodyhasdiscussedordeliberatedorhastaken actionontheitemofbusiness. Theprohibitionagainstserialmeetingsdoesnot,however,prohibitcommunications betweenstaffandlegislativebodymembersforthepurposeofansweringquestionsor providinginformationregardingamatterthatiswithinthesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthe localagency,aslongasthestaffpersondoesnotcommunicate,withothermembersofthe legislativebody,thecommentsorpositionsofanyothermemberofthelegislativebody. §54952.2(b)(2).Observingthefollowingguidelinescanavoidinadvertentviolationofthe serialmeetingrule.Theserulesofconductapplyonlywhenamajorityofalegislativebody isinvolvedinaseriesofindividualcontactsorcommunicationsoutsideofanoticed “meeting,”whetherwithlocalagencystaffmembers,constituents,developers,lobbyists,or othermembersofthelegislativebody. A.ContactswithStaff Staffcaninadvertentlybecomeaconduitamongamajorityofalegislativebodyinthe courseofprovidingbriefingsonitemsoflocalagencybusiness.TheAttorneyGeneral previouslytookthepositionthat,whenlocalagencystaffindividuallybriefsamajorityof legislativebodymembers,suchbriefingnecessarilyconstitutesanillegalserialmeeting. ThispositionwasrejectedbytheCaliforniaCourtofAppeal,whichclarifiedthatstaff briefingsofindividualcitycouncilmembersdonotconstituteanillegalserialmeetingunder theBrownActwithoutadditionalevidencethat:(1)staffactedasapersonalintermediary forothermembersofthelegislativebody;and(2)themeetingsledtoacollective concurrenceamongmembersofthelegislativebody.Thestatelegislatureamended GovernmentCodesection54952.2in2008,effectivein2009,tofurtherclarifythatstaff briefingsofindividualcitycouncilmembersforthepurposeofansweringquestionsor providinginformationregardinganitemofbusinessdonotconstituteanillegalserial meetingundertheBrownActaslongasastaffpersondoesnotcommunicatethecomments orpositionsofamemberofthelegislativebodytoothermembers.Staffbriefingsmust thereforebehandledcarefully.Toavoidhavingastaffbriefingbecomeaserialmeeting: Staffbriefingsofmembersofthelegislativebodyshouldbe“unidirectional” whendoneonanindividualbasisforamajorityofthelegislativebody.This meansthatinformationshouldflowfromstafftothemember,andthe member’sparticipationshouldbelimitedtoaskingquestionsandacquiring information.Otherwise,ifmultiplemembersseparatelygivestaffdirection therebycausingstafftoshapeormodifytheirultimaterecommendationsin SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 7 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 ordertoreconciletheviewsofamajorityofthemembers,aviolationmight occur. Alegislativebodymembershouldnotaskstafftodescribetheviewsofany othermembersofthelegislativebody,andstaffshouldnotvolunteerthose viewsifknown. Staffmaypresenttheirviewstoalegislativebodymemberduringan individualcontact,butstaffshouldnotaskforthatmember’sviewsunlessit isabsolutelyclearthatstaffisnotdiscussingthematterwithamajorityofthe legislativebody. B.ContactswithConstituents,DevelopersandLobbyists Aconstituent,developer,orlobbyistcanalsoinadvertentlybecomeanintermediaryamong amajorityofmembersofalegislativebodytherebycreatinganillegalserialmeetingin violationoftheBrownAct.Suchpersons’unfamiliaritywiththerequirementsoftheBrown Actaggravatethispotentialproblembecausetheymayexpectalegislativebodymemberto bewillingtocommittoapositioninaprivateconversationinadvanceofameeting.To avoidviolationsarisingfromcontactswithconstituents,developersandlobbyists: Statethegroundrules“upfront.”Askifthepersonhastalked,orintendsto talk,withothermembersofthelegislativebodyaboutthesamesubject.If theansweris“yes,”thenmakeitclearthatthepersonshouldnotdisclose theviewsofotherlegislativebodymember(s)duringtheconversation. Explaintothepersonthatyouwillnotmakeafinaldecisiononamatterprior tothemeeting.Forexample:“Statelawpreventsmefromgivingyoua commitmentoutsideanoticedmeeting.Iwilllistentowhatyouhavetosay andgiveitconsiderationasImakeupmymind.” Domorelisteningandaskingquestionsthanexpressingopinions.Ifyou discloseyourthoughtsaboutamatter,counselthepersonnottosharethem withothermembersofthelegislativebody. C.ContactswithFellowMembersoftheSameLegislativeBody Directcontactsconcerninglocalagencybusinesswithfellowmembersofthesame legislativebody–whetherthroughface-to-faceortelephonicconversations,notes,letters, e-mailwithortostaffmembers–arethemostobviousmeansbywhichanillegalserial meetingcanoccur.Thisisnottosaythatamemberofalegislativebodyisprecludedfrom discussingitemsoflocalagencybusinesswithanothermemberofthatlegislativebody outsideofameeting;aslongasthecommunicationdoesnotinvolveamajorityofthe legislativebody,no“meeting”hasoccurred.Thereis,however,alwaystheriskthatone participantinthecommunicationwilldisclosetheviewsoftheotherparticipanttoathirdor SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 8 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 fourthlegislativebodymember,creatingthepossibilityofadiscussionofanitemof businessoutsideanoticedpublicmeeting.Therefore,avoiddiscussingcitybusinesswitha majorityofthemembersofyourlegislativebody,andcommunicatingtheviewsofother legislativebodymembersoutsideameeting. Thesesuggestedrulesofconductmayseemundulyrestrictiveandimpractical,andmay makeacquisitionofimportantinformationmoredifficultortime-consuming.Nevertheless, followingthemwillhelpassurethatyourconductcomportswiththeBrownAct’sgoalof achievingopengovernment.IfyouhavequestionsaboutcompliancewiththeActinany givensituation,youshouldseekadvicefromyourcityattorney.Adherencetotheforegoing guidelinesisnotasubstituteforsecuringadvicefromyourlegalcounsel. VIII.NOTICE,AGENDAANDREPORTINGREQUIREMENTS A.TimeofNoticeandContentofAgenda TwokeyprovisionsoftheBrownActwhichensurethepublic’sbusinessisconducted openlyaretherequirementsthatlegislativebodiespubliclypostagendaspriortotheir meetings,(§§54954.2,54955,54956,and54957.5)andthatnoactionordiscussionmay occuronitemsorsubjectsnotlistedonthepostedagenda(§54954.2).Limitedexceptions totheruleagainstdiscussingortakingactionnotonapostedagendaareincludedinthe BrownActandarediscussedfurtherbelow. Legislativebodies,exceptadvisorycommitteesandstandingcommittees,arerequiredto establishatimeandplaceforholdingregularmeetings.§54954(a).A“regular”meetingis ameetingthatoccursonthelegislativebody’sestablishedmeetingday.Agendasfora regularmeetingmustbepubliclyposted72hoursinadvanceofthemeetinginaplacethat isfreelyaccessibletothepublic.Agendasmustcontainabriefgeneraldescriptionofeach itemofbusinesstobetransactedordiscussedatthemeeting.§54954.2(a).The descriptionneednotexceed20words. Agendasmustalsobepostedonthelocalagency’sInternetWebsite,ifoneexists,for meetingsoftheCityCouncilandanyotherlegislativebodywheresomemembersareCity Councilmembersandtheyarecompensatedfortheirappearance.Whilethelanguageof the72hourpostingrequirementappearsabsolute,theCaliforniaAttorneyGeneralrecently opinedthattechnicaldifficulties,suchasapowerfailure,cyberattack,orotherthird-party interferencethatpreventalocalagencyfrompostingitsagendaonitswebsiteforthefull72 hourswillnotnecessarilyprecludethelegislativebodyfromlawfullyholdingitsmeeting.16 Cal.DailyOp.Serv.937(Jan.19,2016).Whetherapublicmeetingmaycontinueas scheduledwillrequireafactspecificanalysis,thatwilldependonwhetherthelocalagency otherwise“substantiallycomplied”withtheBrownAct’sagendapostingrequirementsby properlypostingthepaperagendaandmakingother“reasonablyeffectiveefforts”(suchas makingtheagendaavailableatanalternative(socialmedia)website)tonotifythepublicof themeeting). SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 9 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 PleasenotethattheadoptionofaCEQAdocument,suchasanenvironmentalimpactreport oranegativedeclaration,byaPlanningCommissionoraCityCouncilisadistinctitemof businessseparatefromtheitemapprovingtheprojectandmustbeexpresslydescribedin anagenda. A“special”meetingisameetingthatisheldatatimeorplaceotherthanthetimeand placeestablishedforregularmeetings.Forspecialmeetings,the“callandnotice”ofthe meetingandtheagendamustbeposted,includinginsomecasesonthelocalagency’s InternetWebsite,atleast24hourspriortothemeeting.§54956.Additionally,each memberofthelegislativebodymustpersonallyreceivewrittennoticeofthespecialmeeting eitherbypersonaldeliveryorby“anyothermeans”(suchasfacsimile,e-mailorU.S.mail) atleast24hoursbeforethetimeofthespecialmeeting,unlesstheyhavepreviouslywaived receiptofwrittennotice.Membersofthepress(includingradioandtelevisionstations)and othermembersofthepubliccanalsorequestwrittennoticeofspecialmeetingsand,ifthey have,thenthatnoticemustbegivenatthesametimenoticeisprovidedtomembersofthe legislativebody. An“emergency”meetingmaybecalledtoaddresscertainemergencies,suchasaterrorist actorcripplingdisaster,withoutcomplyingwiththe24-hournoticerequirement.Certain requirementsapplyfornotifyingthepressandforconductingclosedsessionsaspartof thosemeetings,andexceptasspecified,allotherrulesgoverningspecialmeetingsapply. §54956.5. Bothregularandspecialmeetingsmaybeadjournedtoanothertime.Noticesofadjourned meetingsmustbepostedonthedoorofthemeetingchamberswherethemeetingoccurred within24hoursafterthemeetingisadjourned.§54955.Iftheadjournedmeetingoccurs morethanfivedaysafterthepriormeeting,anewagendaforthatadjournedmeetingmust beposted72hoursinadvanceoftheadjournedmeeting.§54954.2(b)(3). TheBrownActrequireslocalagenciestomailtheagendaorthefullagendapackettoany personmakingawrittenrequestnolaterthanthetimetheagendaispostedorisdelivered tothemembersofthebody,whicheverisearlier.Alocalagencymaychargeafeetorecover itscostsofcopyingandmailing.Anypersonmaymakeastandingrequesttoreceivethese materials,inwhicheventtherequestmustberenewedannually.Failurebyanyrequestor toreceivetheagendadoesnotconstitutegroundstoinvalidateanyactiontakenata meeting.§54954.1. B.ActionandDiscussiononNon-agendaItems TheBrownActalsoensuresthepublic’sbusinessisconductedopenlybyrestrictinga legislativebody’sabilitytodeviatefrompostedagendas.Thestatuteaffordsalegislative bodylimitedauthoritytoactonordiscussnon-agendaitemsatregularmeetings,but forbidsdoingsoatspecialmeetings. SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 10 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Asageneralrule,alegislativebodymaynotactonordiscussanyitemthatdoesnotappear ontheagendapostedforaregularmeeting.§54954.2.Thisruledoesnot,however, precludealegislativebodyfromactingonanon-agendaitemthatcomestothelocal agency’sattentionsubsequenttotheagendapostingwhichrequiresimmediateaction.In ordertoutilizethisexception,thelegislativebodymustmakefindingsofbothcomponents oftheexceptionbyatwo-thirdsvoteofthosepresent(byunanimousvoteiflessthantwo- thirdsofthebodyispresent).Thismeansthatiffourmembersofafive-memberbodyare present,threevotesarerequiredtoaddtheitem;ifonlythreearepresent,aunanimous voteisrequired.Inaddition,anitemnotappearingonanagendamaybeaddedifthe legislativebodydeterminesbyamajorityvotethatanemergencysituationexists.For purposesofthisexception,theterm“emergencysituation”referstoworkstoppagesor cripplingdisastersthatseverelyimpairpublichealth,safety,orboth. Notwithstandingthetwogeneralexceptionssetforthabove,alegislativebodymayalso discussnon-agendaitemsataregularmeetingunderthefollowingfiveadditional exceptions: Membersofthelegislativebodyorstaffmaybrieflyrespondtostatements madeorquestionsposedbypersonsduringpubliccommentperiods; Membersofthelegislativebodyorstaffmayaskaquestionforclarification, makeabriefannouncementormakeabriefreportontheirownactivities; Membersofthelegislativebodymay,subjecttotheproceduralrulesofthe body,provideareferencetostafforotherresourcesforfactualinformation; Membersofthelegislativebodymay,subjecttotheproceduralrulesofthe body,requeststafftoreportbacktothelegislativebodyatasubsequent meetingconcerninganymatter;and Membersofthelegislativebodymay,subjecttotheproceduralrulesofthe body,takeactiontodirectstafftoplaceamatterofbusinessonafuture agenda. Thelegislativebodymaynotdiscussnon-agendaitemstoanysignificantdegreeunder theseexceptions.Thismeansthereshouldnotbelongorwide-rangingquestionand answersessionsonnon-agendaitemsbetweenthelegislativebodyandthepublicor betweenthelegislativebodyandstaff.Itisimportanttofollowtheseexceptionscarefully andconstruethemnarrowlytoavoidtaintinganimportantandcomplexactionbyanon- agendizeddiscussionoftheitem. TheBrownActcontainsevenmorestringentregulationstorestrictactionanddiscussionon non-agendaitemsatspecialmeetings.Inparticular,thestatutemandatesthatonly businessthatisspecifiedinthe“callandnotice”ofthespecialmeetingmaybeconsidered SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 11 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 bythelegislativebody.§54956.Notwithstanding,aspecialmeetingmaynotbecalledto discusscompensationofalocalagencyexecutive.§54956(b). C.ReportingofActions AsofJanuary1,2014,theBrownActmandatesthepublicreportingofindividualvotesor abstentionsbymembersoflegislativebodiesonanygivenmotionoraction.Thisnew requirementmaybesatisfiedinmostsituationsbyreportingtheindividualvoteor abstentionofeachmemberintheminutesofameeting.§54953. IX.PUBLICPARTICIPATION A.RegularMeetings TheBrownActmandatesthateveryagendaforaregularmeetingprovideanopportunityfor membersofthepublictodirectlyaddressthelegislativebodyonanymatterthatiswithin thesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthelegislativebody.§54954.3(a).Inaddition,theBrown Actrequiresthelegislativebodytoallowmembersofthepublictocommentonanyitemon theagendaeitherbeforeorduringthebody’sconsiderationofthatitem.§54954.3(a). Somelocalagenciesaccomplishbothrequirementsbyplacingageneralaudiencecomment periodatthebeginningoftheagendawherethepubliccancommentonbothagendaand non-agendaitems.Othersprovidepubliccommentperiodsaseachitemorgroupofitems comesupontheagenda,andthenleavethegeneralpubliccommentperiodtotheendof theagenda.Eithermethodispermissible,thoughpubliccommentonpublichearingitems mustbetakenduringthehearing. TheBrownActallowsalegislativebodytoprecludepubliccommentsonanagendaitemin onesituation–wheretheitemwasconsideredbyacommittee,composedsolelyof membersofthebody,thatheldameetingwherepubliccommentsonthatitemwere allowed.So,ifthelegislativebodyhasstandingcommittees(whicharerequiredtohave agendizedandopenmeetingswithanopportunityforthepublictocommentonagenda items),andthecommitteehaspreviouslyconsideredanitem,thenatthetimetheitem comesbeforethefulllegislativebody,thebodymaychoosenottotakeadditionalpublic commentsonthatitem.However,iftheversionpresentedtothefulllegislativebodyis differentfromtheversionpresentedto,andconsideredby,thecommittee,thenthepublic mustbegivenanotheropportunitytospeakonthatitematthemeetingofthefullbody. §54954.3. B.PublicCommentsatSpecialMeetings TheBrownActrequiresthatagendasforspecialmeetingsprovideanopportunityfor membersofthepublictoaddressthelegislativebodyconcerninganyitemlistedonthe agendabeforeorduringthebody’sconsiderationofthatitem.§54954.3(a).Unlikeregular SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 12 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 meetings,though,thelegislativebodydoesnothavetoallowpubliccommentonnon- agendamattersataspecialmeeting. C.LimitationsontheLengthandContentofPublicComments Alegislativebodymayadoptreasonableregulationslimitingthetotalamountoftime allocatedtoeachpersonforpublictestimony.Typicaltimelimitsrestrictspeakerstothree orfiveminutes.Alegislativebodymayalsoadoptreasonableregulationslimitingthetotal amountoftimeallocatedforpublictestimonyonlegislativematters,suchasazoning ordinanceorotherregulatoryordinance.§54954.3(b).However,wedonotrecommend settingtotaltimelimitsperitemforanyquasi-judicialmatter,suchasaconditionaluse permitapplication,becausesucharestrictioncouldresultinaviolationofthedueprocess rightsofthosewhowerenotabletospeaktothebodyduringthetimeallotted. TheBrownActprecludesalegislativebodyfromprohibitingpubliccriticismofthepolicies, procedures,programs,orservicesofthelocalagencyortheactsoromissionsofthebody. §54954.3(c).Thisprohibitiondoesnotmeanthatamemberofthepublicmaysayanything duringpublictestimony.Ifthetopicofthepublic’scommentsfallsoutsidethesubject matterjurisdictionofthelocalagency,thelegislativebodymaystopaspeaker’scomments. Alegislativebodyalsomayadoptreasonablerulesofdecorumthatprecludeaspeakerfrom disrupting,disturbingorotherwiseimpedingtheorderlyconductofitsmeetings. §54954.3(b).Therighttopubliclycriticizeapublicofficialdoesnotincludetherightto slanderthatofficial,thoughthelinebetweencriticismandslanderisoftendifficultto determineintheheatofthemoment.Caremustbegiventoavoidviolatingthefreespeech rightsofspeakersbysuppressingopinionsrelevanttothebusinessofthelegislativebody. Finally,insomecircumstances,theuseofprofanitymayserveasabasisforstoppinga speaker.Itwilldepend,however,uponwhatprofanewordsorcommentsaremadeandthe contextofthosecomments.Therefore,nooneshouldberuledoutoforderforprofanity unlessthelanguagebothistrulyobjectionableandcausesadisturbanceordisruptionin theproceeding. D.AdditionalRightsofthePublic TheBrownActgrantsthepublictherighttovideotapeorbroadcastapublicmeeting,as wellastherighttomakeamotionpictureorstillcamerarecordofsuchmeeting. §54953.5(a).Alegislativebodymayprohibitorlimitrecordingofameeting,however,ifthe bodyfindsthattherecordingcannotcontinuewithoutnoise,illumination,orview obstructionthatconstitutes,orwouldconstitute,adisruptionoftheproceedings. §54953.6. Anyaudioorvideotaperecordofanopenandpublicmeetingthatismade,forwhatever purpose,byoratthedirectionofthelocalagencyisapublicrecordandissubjectto SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 13 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 inspectionbythepublicconsistentwiththerequirementsofthePublicRecordsAct. §54953.5(b).Thelocalagencymustnotdestroythetapeorfilmrecordforatleast30days followingthedateofthetapingorrecording.Inspectionoftheaudiotapeorvideotapemust bemadeavailabletothepublicforfreeonequipmentprovidedbythelocalagency. TheBrownActrequireswrittenmaterialdistributedtoamajorityofthebodybyanyperson tobeprovidedtothepublicwithoutdelay.Thisruleisinapplicable,toattorney-client memoranda,theconfidentialityofwhichwasaffirmedbytheCaliforniaSupremeCourtin Robertsv.CityofPalmdale,5Cal.4th363(1993).However,ifnon-privilegedmaterialis distributedduringthemeetingandpreparedbythelocalagency,itmustbeavailablefor publicinspectionatthemeeting.Ifitisdistributedduringthemeetingbyamemberofthe public,itmustbemadeavailableforpublicinspectionafterthemeeting.§54957.5(c). Ifmaterialrelatedtoanagendaitemisdistributedtoamajorityofthebody lessthan72 hourspriortoanopensession ofaregularmeeting,thewritingmustbemadeavailable at thesametime forpublicinspectionatapublicofficeorlocationthathasbeendesignated inadvanceforsuchpurpose.Eachlocalagencymustlisttheaddressofthedesignated officeorlocationontheagendasforallmeetingsofthelegislativebodyofthatagency. §54957.5(b).AlthoughthisBrownActprovisiontechnicallyrequiresanagencytolistthe designatedofficeaddressonclosedsessionmeetingagendas,itdoesnotrequirean agencytomakesuchclosedsessiondocumentsandmaterialsavailableforpublic inspection. Alocalagencymayalsopostalldocumentsmadeavailableforpublicinspectionpursuant toSection54957.5(b)ontheagency’sInternetWebsite.However,alocalagencymaynot postthewritingstoitsWebsiteinlieuofdesignatingapublicofficeorlocationfor inspectionofphysicalcopiesofthedocuments. Werecommendedthatlocalagenciesimplementthefollowingprocedurestocomplywith Section54957.5(b): Placeabinderattheagency’sprincipalplaceofbusinessnexttothepubliccounter agendapacketthatidentifiesthecontentsasfollows:“Disclosablepublic documentsrelatedtoanopensessionagendaitemonthe_____AgendaPacket distributedbythe[AGENCY]toamajorityofthe[LEGISLATIVEBODY]lessthan72 hourspriortothemeeting.” Ontheagendatemplateforallmeetings,thereshouldbeastandardfooteror statementthatindicatesthefollowing:Anydisclosablepublicwritingsrelatedtoan opensessionitemonaregularmeetingagendaanddistributedbythe[AGENCY]to atleastamajorityofthe[LEGISLATIVEBODY]lessthan72hourspriortothatmeeting areavailableforpublicinspectionatthe_____Counterat[AGENCY’SPLACEOF BUSINESS]locatedat[ADDRESS]and [optional]the_____Counteratthe_____ Librarylocatedat[LIBRARYADDRESS]duringnormalbusinesshours.[Optional]In SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 14 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 addition,theAgencymayalsopostsuchdocumentsontheAgency’sWebsiteat [WEBSITEADDRESS]. Onthe[AGENCY’S]Website,createasubfolderundertheagendapacketfolderthat identifiesthecontentsofthesubfolderasfollows:“Disclosablepublicdocuments relatedtoanopensessionagendaitemonthe_____AgendaPacketdistributedby the[AGENCY]toamajorityofthe[LEGISLATIVEBODY]lessthan72hourspriortothe meeting.” OnalldocumentsmadeavailableforpublicinspectionpursuanttoSection 54957.5(b),makeanotationofthedatewhendistributedtoatleastamajorityofthe legislativebodyandplacedinthebinderatagency’splaceofbusiness,[optional] theLibrary,or [optional]ontheagency’sWebsite. Chargecustomaryphotocopyingchargesforcopiesofsuchdocuments. OneproblemleftunaddressedbySection54957.5(b)iswhattodowhenwrittenmaterials aredistributeddirectlytoamajorityofthelegislativebodywithoutknowledgeofstaff,or evenwithoutthelegislativebodymembersknowingthatamajorityhasreceivedit.Thelaw stillrequiresthesematerialstobetreatedaspublicrecords.Thus,itisagoodideaforat leastonememberofthelegislativebodytoensurethatstaffgetsacopyofanydocument distributedtomembersofthelegislativebodysothatcopiescanbemadeforthelocal agency’srecordsandformembersofthepublicwhorequestacopy. X.CLOSEDSESSIONS TheBrownActallowsalegislativebodytoconvenea“closedsession”duringameetingin ordertomeetprivatelywithitsadvisorsonspecificallyenumeratedtopics.Sometimes peoplerefertoclosedsessionsas“executivesessions,”whichisaholdovertermfromthe statute’searlydays.Examplesofbusinessthatmaybeconductedinclosedsession includepersonnelevaluations,threatstopublicsafety,labornegotiations,pending litigation,realestatenegotiations,andconsiderationofaresponsetoanauditreport. §§54956.8,54956.9,54957,54957.6,54957.75.Politicalsensitivityofanitemisnota lawfulreasonforaclosedsessiondiscussion. TheBrownActrequiresthatclosedsessionbusinessbedescribedonthepublicagenda. Moreover,thereisa“bonus”ofsortsforusingprescribedlanguagetodescribeclosed sessionsinthatlegalchallengestotheadequacyofthedescriptionareprecluded. §54954.5.Thisso-called“safeharbor”encouragesmanylocalagenciestouseavery similaragendaformat,especiallyinlightofaCaliforniaCourtofAppealrulingthatalocal agencysubstantiallycompliedwiththeBrownAct’srequirementtodescribeclosedsession agendaitemsdespitethefactthatthenoticereferredtothewrongsubsectionofsection 54956.9.CastaicLakeWaterAgencyv.NewhallCountyWater District,238Cal.App.4th SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 15 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 1196(2015).Audiorecordingofclosedsessionsisnotrequiredunlessacourtorderssuch recordingafterfindingaclosedsessionviolation.§54960. Closedsessionsmaybestartedinalocationdifferentfromtheusualmeetingplaceaslong asthelocationisnotedontheagendaandthepubliccanbepresentwhenthemeetingfirst begins.Moreover,publiccommentonclosedsessionitemsmustbeallowedbefore conveningtheclosedsession. Afteraclosedsession,thelegislativebodymustreconvenethepublicmeetingandpublicly reportcertaintypesofactionsiftheyweretaken,andthevoteonthoseactions.§54957.1. Therearelimitedexceptionsforspecifiedlitigationdecisions,andtoprotectthevictimsof sexualmisconductorchildabuse.Contracts,settlementagreementsorotherdocuments thatarefinallyapprovedoradoptedinclosedsessionmustbeprovidedatthetimethe closedsessionendstoanypersonwhohasmadeastandingrequestforalldocumentation inconnectionwitharequestfornoticeofmeetings(typicallymembersofthemedia)andto anypersonwhomakesarequestwithin24hoursofthepostingoftheagenda,ifthe requestorispresentwhentheclosedsessionends.§54957.1. Oneperennialareaofconfusioniswhetheralegislativebodymaydiscusssalaryand benefitsofanindividualemployee(suchasacitymanager)aspartofaperformance evaluationsessionunderSection54957.Itmaynot.However,thebodymaydesignatea negotiatorornegotiators,suchastwomembersofafivememberlegislativebody,to negotiatewiththatemployeeandthenmeetwiththenegotiator(s)inclosedsessionunder Section54957.6toprovidedirectionsonsalaryandcompensationissues.Theemployeein questionmaynotbepresentinsuchaclosedsession. TheBrownActprohibitsattendeesfromdisclosingconfidentialinformationobtainedduring aclosedsession,unlessthelegislativebodyauthorizesthedisclosure.Violationscanbe addressedthroughinjunctions,disciplinaryaction,andreferraltothegrandjury.§54963. XI.ENFORCEMENT TherearebothcivilremediesandcriminalmisdemeanorpenaltiesforBrownActviolations. Thecivilremediesincludeinjunctionsagainstfurtherviolations,ordersnullifyingany unlawfulaction,ordersdeterminingthatanallegedactviolatedtheBrownAct,orders determiningthevalidityofanyruletopenalizeordiscouragetheexpressionofamemberof thelegislativebody,andremediesforbreachingclosedsessionconfidences.§§54960, 54960.1,54960.2,54963. TheproceduresforclaimingtherewasaBrownActviolationvarydependinguponwhatthe complainingpartyisseeking.Ifthecomplainingpartyisseekingtoinvalidateanaction basedonaviolationoftheBrownAct,theproceduresfordoingsoaresetforthinSection 54960.1,assummarizedbelow.Ifthecomplainingpartyismerelyseekingadetermination thataBrownActviolationoccurredordesiresthecourttoimposeanorderpreventing SummaryoftheMajorProvisionsoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 16 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 furtherviolations,theproceduresfordoingsoaresetforthinSection54960.2,alsoas summarizedbelow. UnderSection54960.1,priortofilingsuittoobtainajudicialdeterminationthatanactionis nullandvoidbecauseofanallegedBrownActviolation,thecomplainingpartymustmakea writtendemandonthelegislativebodytocureorcorrecttheallegedviolation.Thewritten demandmustbemadewithin90daysafterthechallengedactionwastaken.However,if thechallengedactionwastakeninopensessionandinvolvesaviolationoftheagenda requirementsofSection54954.2,thenthewrittendemandmustbemadewithin30days. Thelegislativebodyisrequiredtocureorcorrectthechallengedactionandinformtheparty whofiledthedemandofitscorrectingactions,oritsdecisionnottocureorcorrect,within 30days.Thecomplainingpartymustfilesuitwithin15daysafterreceiptofthewritten noticefromthelegislativebody,orifthereisnowrittenresponse,within15daysafterthe 30-daycureperiodexpires.§54960.1(b).UnderSection54960.2,priortofilingsuitto obtainajudicialdeterminationthatanallegedBrownActviolationoccurredafterJanuary1, 2013,thedistrictattorneyorinterestedpersonmustsubmitaceaseanddesistlettertothe legislativebodyclearlydescribingthelegislativebody’spastactionandthenatureofthe allegedviolationwithinninemonthsoftheallegedviolation.Second,thelegislativebody mayrespondwithin30days,includingrespondingwithanunconditionalcommitmentto cease,desistfrom,andnotrepeatthepastactionthatisallegedtoviolatetheBrownAct.If thelegislativeagencyrespondswithanunconditionalcommitment,thatcommitmentmust beapprovedbythelegislativebodyinopensessionataregularorspecialmeetingasa separateitemofbusinessnotontheconsentcalendar,andmustbeinsubstantiallythe formsetforthinSection54960.2(c)(1).Also,alegislativebodymayresolvetorescindan unconditionalcommitmentwithpropernoticetothepublicandtoeachpersontowhomthe unconditionalcommitmentwasmade.Uponrescission,thedistrictattorneyorany interestedpersonmayfileanactionpursuanttoSection54960(a).Finally,Section54960.2 providesfurtherdeadlinesandrequirementsthatmustbemetwhenfilinganactionin connectionwithanunconditionalcommitment.§54960.2. AmemberofalegislativebodywillnotbecriminallyliableforaviolationoftheBrownAct unlessthememberintendstodeprivethepublicofinformationwhichthememberknowsor hasreasontoknowthepublicisentitledtoundertheBrownAct.§54959.Thisstandard becameeffectivein1994andisadifferentstandardfrommostcriminalstandards.Untilit isappliedandinterpretedbyacourt,itisnotclearwhattypeofevidencewillbenecessary toprosecuteaBrownActviolation. XII.CONCLUSION TheBrownActcanbeconfusing,andcompliancewithitcanbedifficult,duetothestatute’s manyrulesandambiguities.Nonetheless,noncompliancewiththeActisnotanoption.In theeventthatyouhaveanyquestionsregardinganyprovisionofthelaw,youshould contactyourlegalcounselforadvice. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 17 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 TheRalphM.BrownAct updatedwithchangeseffectiveJanuary1,2016 AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 18 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 TheRalphM.BrownAct GovernmentCode§§54950-54963 Section54950.Declarationofpublicpolicy Inenactingthischapter,theLegislaturefindsanddeclaresthatthepubliccommissions, boardsandcouncilsandtheotherpublicagenciesinthisStateexisttoaidintheconductof thepeople’sbusiness.Itistheintentofthelawthattheiractionsbetakenopenlyandthat theirdeliberationsbeconductedopenly. ThepeopleofthisStatedonotyieldtheirsovereigntytotheagencieswhichservethem. Thepeople,indelegatingauthority,donotgivetheirpublicservantstherighttodecide whatisgoodforthepeopletoknowandwhatisnotgoodforthemtoknow.Thepeople insistonremaininginformedsothattheymayretaincontrolovertheinstrumentstheyhave created. Section54950.5.Titleofact ThischaptershallbeknownastheRalphM.BrownAct. Section54951.“Localagency” Asusedinthischapter,“localagency”meansacounty,city,whethergenerallawor chartered,cityandcounty,town,schooldistrict,municipalcorporation,district,political subdivision,oranyboard,commissionoragencythereof,orotherlocalpublicagency. Section54952.“Legislativebody” Asusedinthischapter,“legislativebody”means: (a)Thegoverningbodyofalocalagencyoranyotherlocalbodycreatedbystateor federalstatute. (b)Acommission,committee,board,orotherbodyofalocalagency,whether permanentortemporary,decisionmakingoradvisory,createdbycharter,ordinance, resolution,orformalactionofalegislativebody.However,advisorycommittees, composedsolelyofthemembersofthelegislativebodythatarelessthanaquorum ofthelegislativebodyarenotlegislativebodies,exceptthatstandingcommitteesof alegislativebody,irrespectiveoftheircomposition,whichhaveacontinuingsubject matterjurisdiction,orameetingschedulefixedbycharter,ordinance,resolution,or formalactionofalegislativebodyarelegislativebodiesforpurposesofthischapter. (c)(1)Aboard,commission,committee,orothermultimemberbodythatgovernsa privatecorporation,limitedliabilitycompany,orotherentitythateither: AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 19 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (A)Iscreatedbytheelectedlegislativebodyinordertoexerciseauthority thatmaylawfullybedelegatedbytheelectedgoverningbodytoa privatecorporation,limitedliabilitycompany,orotherentity. (B)Receivesfundsfromalocalagencyandthemembershipofwhose governingbodyincludesamemberofthelegislativebodyofthelocal agencyappointedtothatgoverningbodyasafullvotingmemberby thelegislativebodyofthelocalagency. (2)Notwithstandingsubparagraph(B)ofparagraph(1),noboard,commission, committee,orothermultimemberbodythatgovernsaprivatecorporation, limitedliabilitycompany,orotherentitythatreceivesfundsfromalocal agencyand,asofFebruary9,1996,hasamemberofthelegislativebodyof thelocalagencyasafullvotingmemberofthegoverningbodyofthatprivate corporation,limitedliabilitycompany,orotherentityshallberelievedfrom thepublicmeetingrequirementsofthischapterbyvirtueofachangein statusofthefullvotingmembertoanonvotingmember. (d)Thelesseeofanyhospitalthewholeorpartofwhichisfirstleasedpursuantto subdivision(p)ofSection32121oftheHealthandSafetyCodeafterJanuary1,1994, wherethelesseeexercisesanymaterialauthorityofalegislativebodyofalocal agencydelegatedtoitbythatlegislativebodywhetherthelesseeisorganizedand operatedbythelocalagencyorbyadelegatedauthority. Section54952.1.Conductandtreatmentofelectee Anypersonelectedtoserveasamemberofalegislativebodywhohasnotyetassumedthe dutiesofofficeshallconformhisorherconducttotherequirementsofthischapterand shallbetreatedforpurposesofenforcementofthischapterasifheorshehasalready assumedoffice. Section54952.2.Specifiedcommunicationsoflegislativebodyoflocalagency prohibitedoutsidemeetingthereof (a)Asusedinthischapter,“meeting”meansanycongregationofamajorityofthe membersofalegislativebodyatthesametimeandlocation,including teleconferencelocationaspermittedbySection54953,tohear,discuss,deliberate, ortakeactiononanyitemthatiswithinthesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthe legislativebody. (b)(1)Amajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodyshallnot,outsideameeting authorizedbythischapter,useaseriesofcommunicationsofanykind, directlyorthroughintermediaries,todiscuss,deliberate,ortakeactionon anyitemofbusinessthatiswithinthesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthe legislativebody. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 20 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (2)Paragraph(1)shallnotbeconstruedaspreventinganemployeeorofficialofa localagency,fromengaginginseparateconversationsorcommunications outsideofameetingauthorizedbythischapterwithmembersofalegislative bodyinordertoanswerquestionsorprovideinformationregardingamatter thatiswithinthesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthelocalagency,ifthatperson doesnotcommunicatetomembersofthelegislativebodythecommentsor positionofanyothermemberormembersofthelegislativebody. (c)Nothinginthissectionshallimposetherequirementsofthischapteruponanyofthe following: (1)Individualcontactsorconversationsbetweenamemberofalegislativebody andanyotherpersonthatdonotviolatesubdivision(b). (2)Theattendanceofamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodyata conferenceorsimilargatheringopentothepublicthatinvolvesadiscussion ofissuesofgeneralinteresttothepublicortopublicagenciesofthetype representedbythelegislativebody,providedthatamajorityofthemembers donotdiscussamongthemselves,otherthanaspartofthescheduled program,businessofaspecifiednaturethatiswithinthesubjectmatter jurisdictionofthelocalagency.Nothinginthisparagraphisintendedto allowmembersofthepublicfreeadmissiontoaconferenceorsimilar gatheringatwhichtheorganizershaverequiredotherparticipantsor registrantstopayfeesorchargesasaconditionofattendance. (3)Theattendanceofamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodyatanopen andpublicizedmeetingorganizedtoaddressatopicoflocalcommunity concernbyapersonororganizationotherthanthelocalagency,provided thatamajorityofthemembersdonotdiscussamongthemselves,otherthan aspartofthescheduledprogram,businessofaspecificnaturethatiswithin thesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthelegislativebodyofthelocalagency. (4)Theattendanceofamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodyatanopen andnoticedmeetingofanotherbodyofthelocalagency,oratanopenand noticedmeetingofalegislativebodyofanotherlocalagency,providedthata majorityofthemembersdonotdiscussamongthemselves,otherthanas partofthescheduledmeeting,businessofaspecificnaturethatiswithinthe subjectmatterjurisdictionofthelegislativebodyofthelocalagency. (5)Theattendanceofamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodyatapurely socialorceremonialoccasion,providedthatamajorityofthemembersdo notdiscussamongthemselvesbusinessofaspecificnaturethatiswithinthe subjectmatterjurisdictionofthelegislativebodyofthelocalagency. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 21 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (6)Theattendanceofamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodyatanopen andnoticedmeetingofastandingcommitteeofthatbody,providedthatthe membersofthelegislativebodywhoarenotmembersofthestanding committeeattendonlyasobservers. Section54952.3.Simultaneousorserialordermeetingsauthorized;Requirements; Compensationorstipend (a)Alegislativebodythathasconvenedameetingandwhosemembershipconstitutes aquorumofanyotherlegislativebodymayconveneameetingofthatother legislativebody,simultaneouslyorinserialorder,onlyifaclerkoramemberofthe convenedlegislativebodyverballyannounces,priortoconveninganysimultaneous orserialordermeetingofthatsubsequentlegislativebody,theamountof compensationorstipend,ifany,thateachmemberwillbeentitledtoreceiveasa resultofconveningthesimultaneousorserialmeetingofthesubsequentlegislative bodyandidentifiesthatthecompensationorstipendshallbeprovidedasaresultof conveningameetingforwhicheachmemberisentitledtocollectcompensationora stipend.However,theclerkormemberofthelegislativebodyshallnotberequired toannouncetheamountofcompensationiftheamountofcompensationis prescribedinstatuteandnoadditionalcompensationhasbeenauthorizedbyalocal agency. (b)Forpurposesofthissection,compensationandstipendshallnotincludeamounts reimbursedforactualandnecessaryexpensesincurredbyamemberinthe performanceofthemember'sofficialduties,including,butnotlimitedto, reimbursementofexpensesrelatingtotravel,meals,andlodging. Section54952.6.“Actiontaken” Asusedinthischapter,“actiontaken”meansacollectivedecisionmadebyamajorityof themembersofalegislativebody,acollectivecommitmentorpromisebyamajorityofthe membersofalegislativebodytomakeapositiveoranegativedecision,oranactualvote byamajorityofthemembersofalegislativebodywhensittingasabodyorentity,upona motion,proposal,resolution,orderorordinance. Section54952.7.Copyofchapter Alegislativebodyofalocalagencymayrequirethatacopyofthischapterbegiventoeach memberofthelegislativebodyandanypersonelectedtoserveasamemberofthe legislativebodywhohasnotassumedthedutiesofoffice.Anelectedlegislativebodyofa localagencymayrequirethatacopyofthischapterbegiventoeachmemberofeach legislativebodyalloramajorityofwhosemembersareappointedbyorundertheauthority oftheelectedlegislativebody. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 22 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Section54953.Requirementthatmeetingsbeopenandpublic;Teleconferencing; Teleconferencemeetingsbyhealthauthority (a)Allmeetingsofthelegislativebodyofalocalagencyshallbeopenandpublic,and allpersonsshallbepermittedtoattendanymeetingofthelegislativebodyofalocal agency,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinthischapter. (b)(1)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflaw,thelegislativebodyofalocal agencymayuseteleconferencingforthebenefitofthepublicandthe legislativebodyofalocalagencyinconnectionwithanymeetingor proceedingauthorizedbylaw.Theteleconferencedmeetingorproceeding shallcomplywithallrequirementsofthischapterandallotherwise applicableprovisionsoflawrelatingtoaspecifictypeofmeetingor proceeding. (2)Teleconferencing,asauthorizedbythissection,maybeusedforallpurposes inconnectionwithanymeetingwithinthesubjectmatterjurisdictionofthe legislativebody.Allvotestakenduringateleconferencedmeetingshallbeby rollcall. (3)Ifthelegislativebodyofalocalagencyelectstouseteleconferencing,itshall postagendasatallteleconferencelocationsandconductteleconference meetingsinamannerthatprotectsthestatutoryandconstitutionalrightsof thepartiesorthepublicappearingbeforethelegislativebodyofalocal agency.Eachteleconferencelocationshallbeidentifiedinthenoticeand agendaofthemeetingorproceeding,andeachteleconferencelocationshall beaccessibletothepublic.Duringtheteleconference,atleastaquorumof themembersofthelegislativebodyshallparticipatefromlocationswithin theboundariesoftheterritoryoverwhichthelocalagencyexercises jurisdiction,exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(d).Theagendashallprovide anopportunityformembersofthepublictoaddressthelegislativebody directlypursuanttoSection54954.3ateachteleconferencelocation. (4)Forthepurposesofthissection,“teleconference”meansameetingofa legislativebody,themembersofwhichareindifferentlocations,connected byelectronicmeans,througheitheraudioorvideo,orboth.Nothinginthis sectionshallprohibitalocalagencyfromprovidingthepublicwithadditional teleconferencelocations. (c)(1)Nolegislativebodyshalltakeactionbysecretballot,whetherpreliminaryor final. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 23 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (2)Thelegislativebodyofalocalagencyshallpubliclyreportanyactiontaken andthevoteorabstentiononthatactionofeachmemberpresentforthe action. (d)(1)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsrelatingtoaquoruminparagraph(3)of subdivision(b),whenahealthauthorityconductsateleconferencemeeting, memberswhoareoutsidethejurisdictionoftheauthoritymaybecounted towardtheestablishmentofaquorumwhenparticipatinginthe teleconferenceifatleast50percentofthenumberofmembersthatwould establishaquorumarepresentwithintheboundariesoftheterritoryover whichtheauthorityexercisesjurisdiction,andthehealthauthorityprovidesa teleconferencenumber,andassociatedaccesscodes,ifany,thatallowsany persontocallintoparticipateinthemeetingandthatnumberandaccess codesareidentifiedinthenoticeandagendaofthemeeting. (2)Nothinginthissubdivisionshallbeconstruedasdiscouraginghealth authoritymembersfromregularlymeetingatacommonphysicalsitewithin thejurisdictionoftheauthorityorfromusingteleconferencelocationswithin ornearthejurisdictionoftheauthority.Ateleconferencemeetingforwhicha quorumisestablishedpursuanttothissubdivisionshallbesubjecttoall otherrequirementsofthissection. (3)Forpurposesofthissubdivision,ahealthauthoritymeansanyentitycreated pursuanttoSections14018.7,14087.31,14087.35,14087.36,14087.38,and 14087.9605oftheWelfareandInstitutionsCode,anyjointpowersauthority createdpursuanttoArticle1(commencingwithSection6500)ofChapter5of Division7forthepurposeofcontractingpursuanttoSection14087.3ofthe WelfareandInstitutionsCode,andanyadvisorycommitteetoacounty sponsoredhealthplanlicensedpursuanttoChapter2.2(commencingwith Section1340)ofDivision2oftheHealthandSafetyCodeiftheadvisory committeehas12ormoremembers. (4)ThissubdivisionshallremainineffectonlyuntilJanuary1,2018. Section54953.1.Grandjurytestimony Theprovisionsofthischaptershallnotbeconstruedtoprohibitthemembersofthe legislativebodyofalocalagencyfromgivingtestimonyinprivatebeforeagrandjury,either asindividualsorasabody. Section54953.2.MeetingstoconformtoAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct Allmeetingsofalegislativebodyofalocalagencythatareopenandpublicshallmeetthe protectionsandprohibitionscontainedinSection202oftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 24 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 of1990(42U.S.C.Sec.12132),andthefederalrulesandregulationsadoptedin implementationthereof. Section54953.3.Registrationofattendance Amemberofthepublicshallnotberequired,asaconditiontoattendanceatameetingofa legislativebodyofalocalagency,toregisterhisorhername,toprovideotherinformation, tocompleteaquestionnaire,orotherwisetofulfillanyconditionprecedenttohisorher attendance. Ifanattendancelist,register,questionnaire,orothersimilardocumentispostedatornear theentrancetotheroomwherethemeetingistobeheld,oriscirculatedtothepersons presentduringthemeeting,itshallstateclearlythatthesigning,registering,orcompletion ofthedocumentisvoluntary,andthatallpersonsmayattendthemeetingregardlessof whetherapersonsigns,registers,orcompletesthedocument. Section54953.5.Recordingproceedings (a)Anypersonattendinganopenandpublicmeetingofalegislativebodyofalocal agencyshallhavetherighttorecordtheproceedingswithanaudioorvideorecorder orastillormotionpicturecameraintheabsenceofareasonablefindingbythe legislativebodyofthelocalagencythattherecordingcannotcontinuewithoutnoise, illumination,orobstructionofviewthatconstitutes,orwouldconstitute,apersistent disruptionoftheproceedings. (b)Anyaudioorvideorecordingofanopenandpublicmeetingmadeforwhatever purposebyoratthedirectionofthelocalagencyshallbesubjecttoinspection pursuanttotheCaliforniaPublicRecordsAct(Chapter3.5(commencingwithSection 6250)ofDivision7ofTitle1),but,notwithstandingSection34090,maybeerasedor destroyed30daysaftertherecording.Anyinspectionofanaudioorvideorecording shallbeprovidedwithoutchargeonequipmentmadeavailablebythelocalagency. Section54953.6.Restrictionsonbroadcastsofproceedings Nolegislativebodyofalocalagencyshallprohibitorotherwiserestrictthebroadcastofits openandpublicmeetingsintheabsenceofareasonablefindingthatthebroadcastcannot beaccomplishedwithoutnoise,illumination,orobstructionofviewthatwouldconstitutea persistentdisruptionoftheproceedings. Section54953.7.Accesstomeetingsbeyondminimalstandards Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflaw,legislativebodiesoflocalagenciesmayimpose requirementsuponthemselveswhichallowgreateraccesstotheirmeetingsthan prescribedbytheminimalstandardssetforthinthischapter.Inadditionthereto,an electedlegislativebodyofalocalagencymayimposesuchrequirementsonthose AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 25 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 appointedlegislativebodiesofthelocalagencyofwhichalloramajorityofthemembers areappointedbyorundertheauthorityoftheelectedlegislativebody. Section54954.Rulesforconductofbusiness;Timeandplaceofmeetings (a)Eachlegislativebodyofalocalagency,exceptforadvisorycommitteesorstanding committees,shallprovide,byordinance,resolution,bylaws,orbywhateverother ruleisrequiredfortheconductofbusinessbythatbody,thetimeandplacefor holdingregularmeetings.Meetingsofadvisorycommitteesorstandingcommittees, forwhichanagendaispostedatleast72hoursinadvanceofthemeetingpursuant tosubdivision(a)ofSection54954.2,shallbeconsideredforpurposesofthis chapterasregularmeetingsofthelegislativebody. (b)Regularandspecialmeetingsofthelegislativebodyshallbeheldwithinthe boundariesoftheterritoryoverwhichthelocalagencyexercisesjurisdiction,except todoanyofthefollowing: (1)Complywithstateorfederallaworcourtorder,orattendajudicialor administrativeproceedingtowhichthelocalagencyisaparty. (2)Inspectrealorpersonalpropertywhichcannotbeconvenientlybrought withintheboundariesoftheterritoryoverwhichthelocalagencyexercises jurisdictionprovidedthatthetopicofthemeetingislimitedtoitemsdirectly relatedtotherealorpersonalproperty. (3)Participateinmeetingsordiscussionsofmultiagencysignificancethatare outsidetheboundariesofalocalagency’sjurisdiction.However,anymeeting ordiscussionheldpursuanttothissubdivisionshalltakeplacewithinthe jurisdictionofoneoftheparticipatinglocalagenciesandbenoticedbyall participatingagenciesasprovidedforinthischapter. (4)Meetintheclosestmeetingfacilityifthelocalagencyhasnomeetingfacility withintheboundariesoftheterritoryoverwhichthelocalagencyexercises jurisdiction,orattheprincipalofficeofthelocalagencyifthatofficeis locatedoutsidetheterritoryoverwhichtheagencyexercisesjurisdiction. (5)Meetoutsidetheirimmediatejurisdictionwithelectedorappointedofficials oftheUnitedStatesortheStateofCaliforniawhenalocalmeetingwouldbe impractical,solelytodiscussalegislativeorregulatoryissueaffectingthe localagencyandoverwhichthefederalorstateofficialshavejurisdiction. (6)Meetoutsidetheirimmediatejurisdictionifthemeetingtakesplaceinor nearbyafacilityownedbytheagency,providedthatthetopicofthemeeting islimitedtoitemsdirectlyrelatedtothefacility. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 26 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (7)Visittheofficeofthelocalagency’slegalcounselforaclosedsessionon pendinglitigationheldpursuanttoSection54956.9,whentodosowould reducelegalfeesorcosts. (c)Meetingsofthegoverningboardofaschooldistrictshallbeheldwithinthedistrict, exceptunderthecircumstancesenumeratedinsubdivision(b),ortodoanyofthe following: (1)Attendaconferenceonnonadversarialcollectivebargainingtechniques. (2)Interviewmembersofthepublicresidinginanotherdistrictwithreferenceto thetrustees’potentialemploymentofanapplicantforthepositionofthe superintendentofthedistrict. (3)Interviewapotentialemployeefromanotherdistrict. (d)Meetingsofajointpowersauthorityshalloccurwithintheterritoryofatleastoneof itsmemberagencies,orasprovidedinsubdivision(b).However,ajointpowers authoritywhichhasmembersthroughoutthestatemaymeetatanyfacilityinthe statewhichcomplieswiththerequirementsofSection54961. (e)If,byreasonoffire,flood,earthquake,orotheremergency,itshallbeunsafetomeet intheplacedesignated,themeetingsshallbeheldforthedurationofthe emergencyattheplacedesignatedbythepresidingofficerofthelegislativebodyor hisorherdesigneeinanoticetothelocalmediathathaverequestednotice pursuanttoSection54956,bythemostrapidmeansofcommunicationavailableat thetime. Section54954.1.Requestfornotice;Renewal;Fee Anypersonmayrequestthatacopyoftheagenda,oracopyofallthedocuments constitutingtheagendapacket,ofanymeetingofalegislativebodybemailedtothat person.Ifrequested,theagendaanddocumentsintheagendapacketshallbemade availableinappropriatealternativeformatstopersonswithadisability,asrequiredby Section202oftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(42U.S.C.Sec.12132),andthe federalrulesandregulationsadoptedinimplementationthereof.Uponreceiptofthe writtenrequest,thelegislativebodyoritsdesigneeshallcausetherequestedmaterialsto bemailedatthetimetheagendaispostedpursuanttoSection54954.2and54956orupon distributiontoall,oramajorityofall,ofthemembersofalegislativebody,whichever occursfirst.Anyrequestformailedcopiesofagendasoragendapacketsshallbevalidfor thecalendaryearinwhichitisfiled,andmustberenewedfollowingJanuary1ofeachyear. Thelegislativebodymayestablishafeeformailingtheagendaoragendapacket,whichfee shallnotexceedthecostofprovidingtheservice.Failureoftherequestingpersonto receivetheagendaoragendapacketpursuanttothissectionshallnotconstitutegrounds AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 27 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 forinvalidationoftheactionsofthelegislativebodytakenatthemeetingforwhichthe agendaoragendapacketwasnotreceived. Section54954.2.Postingofagenda;Actionsnotonagenda (a)(1)Atleast72hoursbeforearegularmeeting,thelegislativebodyofthelocal agency,oritsdesignee,shallpostanagendacontainingabriefgeneral descriptionofeachitemofbusinesstobetransactedordiscussedatthe meeting,includingitemstobediscussedinclosedsession.Abriefgeneral descriptionofanitemgenerallyneednotexceed20words.Theagendashall specifythetimeandlocationoftheregularmeetingandshallbepostedina locationthatisfreelyaccessibletomembersofthepublicandonthelocal agency'sInternetWebsite,ifthelocalagencyhasone.Ifrequested,the agendashallbemadeavailableinappropriatealternativeformatstopersons withadisability,asrequiredbySection202oftheAmericanswithDisabilities Actof1990(42U.S.C.Sec.12132),andthefederalrulesandregulations adoptedinimplementationthereof.Theagendashallincludeinformation regardinghow,towhom,andwhenarequestfordisability-related modificationoraccommodation,includingauxiliaryaidsorservices,maybe madebyapersonwithadisabilitywhorequiresamodificationor accommodationinordertoparticipateinthepublicmeeting. (2)Noactionordiscussionshallbeundertakenonanyitemnotappearingonthe postedagenda,exceptthatmembersofalegislativebodyoritsstaffmay brieflyrespondtostatementsmadeorquestionsposedbypersonsexercising theirpublictestimonyrightsunderSection54954.3.Inaddition,ontheirown initiativeorinresponsetoquestionsposedbythepublic,amemberofa legislativebodyoritsstaffmayaskaquestionforclarification,makeabrief announcement,ormakeabriefreportonhisorherownactivities. Furthermore,amemberofalegislativebody,orthebodyitself,subjectto rulesorproceduresofthelegislativebody,mayprovideareferencetostaffor otherresourcesforfactualinformation,requeststafftoreportbacktothe bodyatasubsequentmeetingconcerninganymatter,ortakeactiontodirect stafftoplaceamatterofbusinessonafutureagenda. (b)Notwithstandingsubdivision(a),thelegislativebodymaytakeactiononitemsof businessnotappearingonthepostedagendaunderanyoftheconditionsstated below.Priortodiscussinganyitempursuanttothissubdivision,thelegislativebody shallpubliclyidentifytheitem. (1)Uponadeterminationbyamajorityvoteofthelegislativebodythatan emergencysituationexists,asdefinedinSection54956.5. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 28 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (2)Uponadeterminationbyatwo-thirdsvoteofthemembersofthelegislative bodypresentatthemeeting,or,iflessthantwo-thirdsofthemembersare present,aunanimousvoteofthosememberspresent,thatthereisaneedto takeimmediateactionandthattheneedforactioncametotheattentionof thelocalagencysubsequenttotheagendabeingpostedasspecifiedin subdivision(a). (3)Theitemwaspostedpursuanttosubdivision(a)forapriormeetingofthe legislativebodyoccurringnotmorethanfivecalendardayspriortothedate actionistakenontheitem,andatthepriormeetingtheitemwascontinued tothemeetingatwhichactionisbeingtaken. (c)Thissectionisnecessarytoimplementandreasonablywithinthescopeof paragraph(1)ofsubdivision(b)ofSection3ofArticleIoftheCaliforniaConstitution. (d)Forpurposesofsubdivision(a),therequirementthattheagendabepostedonthe localagency'sInternetWebsite,ifthelocalagencyhasone,shallonlyapplytoa legislativebodythatmeetseitherofthefollowingstandards: (1)Alegislativebodyasthattermisdefinedbysubdivision(a)ofSection54952. (2)Alegislativebodyasthattermisdefinedbysubdivision(b)ofSection54952, ifthemembersofthelegislativebodyarecompensatedfortheirappearance, andifoneormoreofthemembersofthelegislativebodyarealsomembers ofalegislativebodyasthattermisdefinedbysubdivision(a)ofSection 54952. Section54954.3.Publictestimonyatregularmeetings (a)Everyagendaforregularmeetingsshallprovideanopportunityformembersofthe publictodirectlyaddressthelegislativebodyonanyitemofinteresttothepublic, beforeorduringthelegislativebody’sconsiderationoftheitem,thatiswithinthe subjectmatterjurisdictionofthelegislativebody,providedthatnoactionshallbe takenonanyitemnotappearingontheagendaunlesstheactionisotherwise authorizedbysubdivision(b)ofSection54954.2.However,theagendaneednot provideanopportunityformembersofthepublictoaddressthelegislativebodyon anyitemthathasalreadybeenconsideredbyacommittee,composedexclusivelyof membersofthelegislativebody,atapublicmeetingwhereinallinterestedmembers ofthepublicwereaffordedtheopportunitytoaddressthecommitteeontheitem, beforeorduringthecommittee’sconsiderationoftheitem,unlesstheitemhasbeen substantiallychangedsincethecommitteeheardtheitem,asdeterminedbythe legislativebody.Everynoticeforaspecialmeetingshallprovideanopportunityfor membersofthepublictodirectlyaddressthelegislativebodyconcerninganyitem AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 29 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 thathasbeendescribedinthenoticeforthemeetingbeforeorduringconsideration ofthatitem. (b)Thelegislativebodyofalocalagencymayadoptreasonableregulationstoensure thattheintentofsubdivision(a)iscarriedout,including,butnotlimitedto, regulationslimitingthetotalamountoftimeallocatedforpublictestimonyon particularissuesandforeachindividualspeaker. (c)Thelegislativebodyofalocalagencyshallnotprohibitpubliccriticismofthe policies,procedures,programs,orservicesoftheagency,oroftheactsoromissions ofthelegislativebody.Nothinginthissubdivisionshallconferanyprivilegeor protectionforexpressionbeyondthatotherwiseprovidedbylaw. Section54954.4.Legislativefindingsanddeclarationsrelatingtoreimbursements; Legislativeintent;Reviewofclaims (a)TheLegislatureherebyfindsanddeclaresthatSection12ofChapter641ofthe Statutesof1986,authorizingreimbursementtolocalagenciesandschooldistricts forcostsmandatedbythestatepursuanttothatact,shallbeinterpretedstrictly. TheintentoftheLegislatureistoprovidereimbursementforonlythosecostswhich areclearlyandunequivocallyincurredasthedirectandnecessaryresultof compliancewithChapter641oftheStatutesof1986. (b)Inthisregard,theLegislaturedirectsallstateemployeesandofficialsinvolvedin reviewingorauthorizingclaimsforreimbursement,orotherwiseparticipatinginthe reimbursementprocess,torigorouslyrevieweachclaimandauthorizeonlythose claims,orpartsthereof,whichrepresentcostswhichareclearlyandunequivocally incurredasthedirectandnecessaryresultofcompliancewithChapter641ofthe Statutesof1986andforwhichcompletedocumentationexists.Forpurposesof Section54954.2,costseligibleforreimbursementshallonlyincludetheactualcost topostasingleagendaforanyonemeeting. (c)TheLegislatureherebyfindsanddeclaresthatcomplete,faithful,anduninterrupted compliancewiththeRalphM.BrownAct(Chapter9(commencingwithSection 54950)ofPart1ofDivision2ofTitle5oftheGovernmentCode)isamatterof overridingpublicimportance.Unlessspecificallystated,nofutureBudgetAct,or relatedbudgetenactments,shall,inanymanner,beinterpretedtosuspend, eliminate,orotherwisemodifythelegalobligationanddutyoflocalagenciestofully complywithChapter641oftheStatutesof1986inacomplete,faithful,and uninterruptedmanner. Section54954.5.Descriptionofclosedsessionitems ForpurposesofdescribingclosedsessionitemspursuanttoSection54954.2,theagenda maydescribeclosedsessionsasprovidedbelow.Nolegislativebodyorelectedofficial AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 30 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 shallbeinviolationofSection54954.2or54956iftheclosedsessionitemsweredescribed insubstantialcompliancewiththissection.Substantialcomplianceissatisfiedby includingtheinformationprovidedbelow,irrespectiveofitsformat. (a)WithrespecttoaclosedsessionheldpursuanttoSection54956.7: LICENSE/PERMITDETERMINATION Applicant(s):(Specifynumberofapplicants) (b)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54956.8: CONFERENCEWITHREALPROPERTYNEGOTIATORS Property:(Specifystreetaddress,orifnostreetaddress,theparcelnumberorother uniquereference,oftherealpropertyundernegotiation) Agencynegotiator:(Specifynamesofnegotiatorsattendingtheclosedsession)(If circumstancesnecessitatetheabsenceofaspecifiednegotiator,anagentor designeemayparticipateinplaceoftheabsentnegotiatorsolongasthenameof theagentordesigneeisannouncedatanopensessionheldpriortotheclosed session.) Negotiatingparties:(Specifynameofparty(notagent)) Undernegotiation:(Specifywhetherinstructiontonegotiatorwillconcernprice, termsofpayment,orboth) (c)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54956.9: CONFERENCEWITHLEGALCOUNSEL--EXISTINGLITIGATION (Paragraph(1)ofsubdivision(d)ofSection54956.9) Nameofcase:(Specifybyreferencetoclaimant’sname,namesofparties,caseor claimnumbers) or Casenameunspecified:(Specifywhetherdisclosurewouldjeopardizeserviceof processorexistingsettlementnegotiations) CONFERENCEWITHLEGALCOUNSEL--ANTICIPATEDLITIGATION Significantexposuretolitigationpursuanttoparagraph(2)or(3)ofsubdivision(d) ofSection54956.9:(Specifynumberofpotentialcases) (Inadditiontotheinformationnoticedabove,theagencymayberequiredtoprovide additionalinformationontheagendaorinanoralstatementpriortotheclosed sessionpursuanttoparagraphs(2)to(5),inclusive,ofsubdivision(e)ofSection 54956.9) Initiationoflitigationpursuanttoparagraph(4)ofsubdivision(d)ofSection 54956.9:(Specifynumberofpotentialcases) AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 31 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (d)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54956.95: LIABILITYCLAIMS Claimant:(SpecifynameunlessunspecifiedpursuanttoSection54961) Agencyclaimedagainst:(Specifyname) (e)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54957: THREATTOPUBLICSERVICESORFACILITIES Consultationwith:(Specifynameoflawenforcementagencyandtitleofofficer,or nameofapplicableagencyrepresentativeandtitle.) PUBLICEMPLOYEEAPPOINTMENT Title:(Specifydescriptionofpositiontobefilled) PUBLICEMPLOYMENT Title:(Specifydescriptionofpositiontobefilled) PUBLICEMPLOYEEPERFORMANCEEVALUATION Title:(Specifypositiontitleofemployeebeingreviewed) PUBLICEMPLOYEEDISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE (Noadditionalinformationisrequiredinconnectionwithaclosedsessionto considerdiscipline,dismissal,orreleaseofapublicemployee.Disciplineincludes potentialreductionofcompensation.) (f)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54957.6: CONFERENCEWITHLABORNEGOTIATORS Agencydesignatedrepresentatives:(Specifynamesofdesignatedrepresentatives attendingtheclosedsession)(Ifcircumstancesnecessitatetheabsenceofa specifieddesignatedrepresentative,anagentordesigneemayparticipateinplace oftheabsentrepresentativesolongasthenameoftheagentordesigneeis announcedatanopensessionheldpriortotheclosedsession.) Employeeorganization:(Specifynameoforganizationrepresentingemployeeor employeesinquestion) or Unrepresentedemployee:(Specifypositiontitleofunrepresentedemployeewhois thesubjectofthenegotiations) AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 32 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (g)WithrespecttoclosedsessionscalledpursuanttoSection54957.8: CASEREVIEW/PLANNING (Noadditionalinformationisrequiredinconnectionwithaclosedsessionto considercaserevieworplanning.) (h)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Sections1461,32106,and32155oftheHealthandSafetyCodeorSections37606 and37624.3oftheGovernmentCode: REPORTINVOLVINGTRADESECRET Discussionwillconcern:(Specifywhetherdiscussionwillconcernproposednew service,program,orfacility) Estimateddateofpublicdisclosure:(Specifymonthandyear) HEARINGS Subjectmatter:(Specifywhethertestimony/deliberationwillconcernstaff privileges,reportofmedicalauditcommittee,orreportofqualityassurance committee) (i)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54956.86: CHARGEORCOMPLAINTINVOLVINGINFORMATIONPROTECTEDBYFEDERALLAW (Noadditionalinformationisrequiredinconnectionwithaclosedsessiontodiscuss achargeorcomplaintpursuanttoSection54956.86.) (j)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54956.96: CONFERENCEINVOLVINGAJOINTPOWERSAGENCY(Specifybyname) Discussionwillconcern:(Specifyclosedsessiondescriptionusedbythejoint powersagency) Nameoflocalagencyrepresentativeonjointpowersagencyboard:(Specifyname) (Additionalinformationlistingthenamesofagenciesortitlesofrepresentatives attendingtheclosedsessionasconsultantsorotherrepresentatives.) (k)Withrespecttoeveryitemofbusinesstobediscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54956.75: AUDITBYCALIFORNIASTATEAUDITOR’SOFFICE AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 33 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Section54954.6.Publicmeetingongeneraltaxorassessment;Notice (a)(1)Beforeadoptinganyneworincreasedgeneraltaxoranyneworincreased assessment,thelegislativebodyofalocalagencyshallconductatleastone publicmeetingatwhichlocalofficialsshallallowpublictestimonyregarding theproposedneworincreasedgeneraltaxorneworincreasedassessmentin additiontothenoticedpublichearingatwhichthelegislativebodyproposes toenactorincreasethegeneraltaxorassessment. Forpurposesofthissection,theterm“neworincreasedassessment”does notincludeanyofthefollowing: (A)Afeethatdoesnotexceedthereasonablecostofprovidingthe services,facilities,orregulatoryactivityforwhichthefeeischarged. (B)Aservicecharge,rate,orcharge,unlessaspecialdistrict'sprincipal actrequirestheservicecharge,rate,orchargetoconformtothe requirementsofthissection. (C)Anongoingannualassessmentifitisimposedatthesameorlower amountasanypreviousyear. (D)Anassessmentthatdoesnotexceedanassessmentformulaorrange ofassessmentspreviouslyspecifiedinthenoticegiventothepublic pursuanttosubparagraph(G)ofparagraph(2)ofsubdivision(c)and thatwaspreviouslyadoptedbytheagencyorapprovedbythevoters intheareawheretheassessmentisimposed. (E)Standbyorimmediateavailabilitycharges. (2)Thelegislativebodyshallprovideatleast45days'publicnoticeofthepublic hearingatwhichthelegislativebodyproposestoenactorincreasethe generaltaxorassessment.Thelegislativebodyshallprovidenoticeforthe publicmeetingatthesametimeandinthesamedocumentasthenoticefor thepublichearing,butthemeetingshalloccurpriortothehearing. (b)(1)Thejointnoticeofboththepublicmeetingandthepublichearingrequiredby subdivision(a)withrespecttoaproposalforaneworincreasedgeneraltax shallbeaccomplishedbyplacingadisplayadvertisementofatleastone- eighthpageinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationforthreeweekspursuantto Section6063andbyafirst-classmailingtothoseinterestedpartieswhohave filedawrittenrequestwiththelocalagencyformailednoticeofpublic meetingsorhearingsonneworincreasedgeneraltaxes.Thepublicmeeting pursuanttosubdivision(a)shalltakeplacenoearlierthan10daysafterthe firstpublicationofthejointnoticepursuanttothissubdivision.Thepublic AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 34 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 hearingshalltakeplacenoearlierthansevendaysafterthepublicmeeting pursuanttothissubdivision.Notwithstandingparagraph(2)ofsubdivision (a),thejointnoticeneednotincludenoticeofthepublicmeetingafterthe meetinghastakenplace.Thepublichearingpursuanttosubdivision(a)shall takeplacenoearlierthan45daysafterthefirstpublicationofthejointnotice pursuanttothissubdivision.Anywrittenrequestformailednoticesshallbe effectiveforoneyearfromthedateonwhichitisfiledunlessarenewal requestisfiled.Renewalrequestsformailednoticesshallbefiledonor beforeApril1ofeachyear.Thelegislativebodymayestablishareasonable annualchargeforsendingnoticesbasedontheestimatedcostofproviding theservice. (2)Thenoticerequiredbyparagraph(1)ofthissubdivisionshallinclude,butnot belimitedto,thefollowing: (A)Theamountorrateofthetax.Ifthetaxisproposedtobeincreased fromanypreviousyear,thejointnoticeshallseparatelystateboththe existingtaxrateandtheproposedtaxrateincrease. (B)Theactivitytobetaxed. (C)Theestimatedamountofrevenuetoberaisedbythetaxannually. (D)Themethodandfrequencyforcollectingthetax. (E)Thedates,times,andlocationsofthepublicmeetingandhearing describedinsubdivision(a). (F)Thetelephonenumberandaddressofanindividual,office,or organizationthatinterestedpersonsmaycontacttoreceiveadditional informationaboutthetax. (c)(1)Thejointnoticeofboththepublicmeetingandthepublichearingrequiredby subdivision(a)withrespecttoaproposalforaneworincreasedassessment onrealpropertyorbusinessesshallbeaccomplishedthroughamailing, postageprepaid,intheUnitedStatesmailandshallbedeemedgivenwhen sodeposited.Thepublicmeetingpursuanttosubdivision(a)shalltakeplace noearlierthan10daysafterthejointmailingpursuanttothissubdivision. Thepublichearingshalltakeplacenoearlierthansevendaysafterthepublic meetingpursuanttothissubdivision.Theenvelopeorthecoverofthe mailingshallincludethenameofthelocalagencyandthereturnaddressof thesender.Thismailednoticeshallbeinatleast10-pointtypeandshallbe giventoallpropertyownersorbusinessownersproposedtobesubjecttothe neworincreasedassessmentbyamailingbynametothosepersonswhose AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 35 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 namesandaddressesappearonthelastequalizedcountyassessmentroll, theStateBoardofEqualizationassessmentroll,orthelocalagency’srecords pertainingtobusinessownership,asthecasemaybe. (2)Thejointnoticerequiredbyparagraph(1)ofthissubdivisionshallinclude, butnotbelimitedto,thefollowing: (A)Inthecaseofanassessmentproposedtobeleviedonproperty,the estimatedamountoftheassessmentperparcel.Inthecaseofan assessmentproposedtobeleviedonbusinesses,theproposed methodandbasisoflevyingtheassessmentinsufficientdetailto alloweachbusinessownertocalculatetheamountofassessmentto beleviedagainsteachbusiness.Iftheassessmentisproposedtobe increasedfromanypreviousyear,thejointnoticeshallseparately stateboththeamountoftheexistingassessmentandtheproposed assessmentincrease. (B)Ageneraldescriptionofthepurposeorimprovementsthatthe assessmentwillfund. (C)Theaddresstowhichpropertyownersmaymailaprotestagainstthe assessment. (D)Thetelephonenumberandaddressofanindividual,office,or organizationthatinterestedpersonsmaycontacttoreceiveadditional informationabouttheassessment. (E)Astatementthatamajorityprotestwillcausetheassessmenttobe abandonediftheassessmentactusedtolevytheassessmentso provides.Noticeshallalsostatethepercentageofprotestsrequired totriggeranelection,ifapplicable. (F)Thedates,times,andlocationsofthepublicmeetingandhearing describedinsubdivision(a). (G)Aproposedassessmentformulaorrangeasdescribedin subparagraph(D)ofparagraph(1)ofsubdivision(a)ifapplicableand thatisnoticedpursuanttothissection. (3)Notwithstandingparagraph(1),inthecaseofanassessmentthatisproposed exclusivelyforoperationandmaintenanceexpensesimposedthroughoutthe entirelocalagency,orexclusivelyforoperationandmaintenance assessmentsproposedtobeleviedon50,000parcelsormore,noticemaybe providedpursuanttothissubdivisionorpursuanttoparagraph(1)of subdivision(b)andshallincludetheestimatedamountoftheassessmentof AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 36 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 varioustypes,amounts,orusesofpropertyandtheinformationrequiredby subparagraphs(B)to(G),inclusive,ofparagraph(2)ofsubdivision(c). (4)Notwithstandingparagraph(1),inthecaseofanassessmentproposedtobe leviedpursuanttoPart2(commencingwithSection22500)ofDivision2of theStreetsandHighwaysCodebyaregionalparkdistrict,regionalparkand open-spacedistrict,orregionalopen-spacedistrictformedpursuantto Article3(commencingwithSection5500)ofChapter3ofDivision5of,or pursuanttoDivision26(commencingwithSection35100)of,thePublic ResourcesCode,noticemaybeprovidedpursuanttoparagraph(1)of subdivision(b). (d)Thenoticerequirementsimposedbythissectionshallbeconstruedasadditionalto, andnottosupersede,existingprovisionsoflaw,andshallbeappliedconcurrently withtheexistingprovisionssoastonotdelayorprolongthegovernmental decisionmakingprocess. (e)Thissectionshallnotapplytoanyneworincreasedgeneraltaxoranynewor increasedassessmentthatrequiresanelectionofeitherofthefollowing: (1)Thepropertyownerssubjecttotheassessment. (2)Thevoterswithinthelocalagencyimposingthetaxorassessment. (f)Nothinginthissectionshallprohibitalocalagencyfromholdingaconsolidated meetingorhearingatwhichthelegislativebodydiscussesmultipletaxor assessmentproposals. (g)Thelocalagencymayrecoverthereasonablecostsofpublicmeetings,public hearings,andnoticerequiredbythissectionfromtheproceedsofthetaxor assessment.Thecostsrecoveredforthesepurposes,whetherrecoveredpursuantto thissubdivisionoranyotherprovisionoflaw,shallnotexceedthereasonablecosts ofthepublicmeetings,publichearings,andnotice. (h)Anyneworincreasedassessmentthatissubjecttothenoticeandhearing provisionsofArticleXIIICorXIIIDoftheCaliforniaConstitutionisnotsubjecttothe noticeandhearingrequirementsofthissection. Section54955.Adjournmentofmeetings Thelegislativebodyofalocalagencymayadjournanyregular,adjournedregular,specialor adjournedspecialmeetingtoatimeandplacespecifiedintheorderofadjournment.Less thanaquorummaysoadjournfromtimetotime.Ifallmembersareabsentfromany regularoradjournedregularmeetingtheclerkorsecretaryofthelegislativebodymay declarethemeetingadjournedtoastatedtimeandplaceandheshallcauseawritten AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 37 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 noticeoftheadjournmenttobegiveninthesamemannerasprovidedinSection54956for specialmeetings,unlesssuchnoticeiswaivedasprovidedforspecialmeetings.Acopyof theorderornoticeofadjournmentshallbeconspicuouslypostedonornearthedoorofthe placewheretheregular,adjournedregular,specialoradjournedspecialmeetingwasheld within24hoursafterthetimeoftheadjournment.Whenaregularoradjournedregular meetingisadjournedasprovidedinthissection,theresultingadjournedregularmeetingis aregularmeetingforallpurposes.Whenanorderofadjournmentofanymeetingfailsto statethehouratwhichtheadjournedmeetingistobeheld,itshallbeheldatthehour specifiedforregularmeetingsbyordinance,resolution,bylaw,orotherrule. Section54955.1.Continuanceofhearing Anyhearingbeingheld,ornoticedororderedtobeheld,byalegislativebodyofalocal agencyatanymeetingmaybyorderornoticeofcontinuancebecontinuedorrecontinuedto anysubsequentmeetingofthelegislativebodyinthesamemannerandtothesameextent setforthinSection54955fortheadjournmentofmeetings;provided,thatifthehearingis continuedtoatimelessthan24hoursafterthetimespecifiedintheorderornoticeof hearing,acopyoftheorderornoticeofcontinuanceofhearingshallbepostedimmediately followingthemeetingatwhichtheorderordeclarationofcontinuancewasadoptedor made. Section54956.Specialmeetings;call;notice;meetingsregardinglocalagency executivesalaries,salaryschedules,orcompensationinformof fringebenefits;p0stingonInternetWebsite (a)Aspecialmeetingmaybecalledatanytimebythepresidingofficerofthelegislative bodyofalocalagency,orbyamajorityofthemembersofthelegislativebody,by deliveringwrittennoticetoeachmemberofthelegislativebodyandtoeachlocal newspaperofgeneralcirculationandradioortelevisionstationrequestingnoticein writingandpostinganoticeonthelocalagency'sInternetWebsite,ifthelocal agencyhasone.Thenoticeshallbedeliveredpersonallyorbyanyothermeansand shallbereceivedatleast24hoursbeforethetimeofthemeetingasspecifiedinthe notice.Thecallandnoticeshallspecifythetimeandplaceofthespecialmeeting andthebusinesstobetransactedordiscussed.Nootherbusinessshallbe consideredatthesemeetingsbythelegislativebody.Thewrittennoticemaybe dispensedwithastoanymemberwhoatorpriortothetimethemeetingconvenes fileswiththeclerkorsecretaryofthelegislativebodyawrittenwaiverofnotice.The waivermaybegivenbytelegram.Thewrittennoticemayalsobedispensedwithas toanymemberwhoisactuallypresentatthemeetingatthetimeitconvenes. Thecallandnoticeshallbepostedatleast24hourspriortothespecialmeetingina locationthatisfreelyaccessibletomembersofthepublic. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 38 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (b)Notwithstandinganyotherlaw,alegislativebodyshallnotcallaspecialmeeting regardingthesalaries,salaryschedules,orcompensationpaidintheformoffringe benefits,ofalocalagencyexecutive,asdefinedinsubdivision(d)ofSection3511.1. However,thissubdivisiondoesnotapplytoalocalagencycallingaspecialmeeting todiscussthelocalagency'sbudget. (c)Forpurposesofsubdivision(a),therequirementthattheagendabepostedonthe localagency'sInternetWebsite,ifthelocalagencyhasone,shallonlyapplytoa legislativebodythatmeetseitherofthefollowingstandards: (1)Alegislativebodyasthattermisdefinedbysubdivision(a)ofSection54952. (2)Alegislativebodyasthattermisdefinedbysubdivision(b)ofSection54952, ifthemembersofthelegislativebodyarecompensatedfortheirappearance, andifoneormoreofthemembersofthelegislativebodyarealsomembers ofalegislativebodyasthattermisdefinedbysubdivision(a)ofSection 54952. Section54956.5.Emergencymeetings;Notice (a)Forpurposesofthissection,“emergencysituation”meansbothofthefollowing: (1)Anemergency,whichshallbedefinedasaworkstoppage,cripplingactivity, orotheractivitythatseverelyimpairspublichealth,safety,orboth,as determinedbyamajorityofthemembersofthelegislativebody. (2)Adireemergency,whichshallbedefinedasacripplingdisaster,mass destruction,terroristact,orthreatenedterroristactivitythatposesperilso immediateandsignificantthatrequiringalegislativebodytoprovideone- hournoticebeforeholdinganemergencymeetingunderthissectionmay endangerthepublichealth,safety,orboth,asdeterminedbyamajorityof themembersofthelegislativebody. (b)(1)Subjecttoparagraph(2),inthecaseofanemergencysituationinvolving mattersuponwhichpromptactionisnecessaryduetothedisruptionor threateneddisruptionofpublicfacilities,alegislativebodymayholdan emergencymeetingwithoutcomplyingwitheitherthe24-hournotice requirementorthe24-hourpostingrequirementofSection54956orbothof thenoticeandpostingrequirements. (2)Eachlocalnewspaperofgeneralcirculationandradioortelevisionstation thathasrequestednoticeofspecialmeetingspursuanttoSection54956 shallbenotifiedbythepresidingofficerofthelegislativebody,ordesignee thereof,onehourpriortotheemergencymeeting,or,inthecaseofadire emergency,atornearthetimethatthepresidingofficerordesigneenotifies AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 39 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 themembersofthelegislativebodyoftheemergencymeeting.Thisnotice shallbegivenbytelephoneandalltelephonenumbersprovidedinthemost recentrequestofanewspaperorstationfornotificationofspecialmeetings shallbeexhausted.Intheeventthattelephoneservicesarenotfunctioning, thenoticerequirementsofthissectionshallbedeemedwaived,andthe legislativebody,ordesigneeofthelegislativebody,shallnotifythose newspapers,radiostations,ortelevisionstationsofthefactoftheholdingof theemergencymeeting,thepurposeofthemeeting,andanyactiontakenat themeetingassoonafterthemeetingaspossible. (c)Duringameetingheldpursuanttothissection,thelegislativebodymaymeetin closedsessionpursuanttoSection54957ifagreedtobyatwo-thirdsvoteofthe membersofthelegislativebodypresent,or,iflessthantwo-thirdsofthemembers arepresent,byaunanimousvoteofthememberspresent. (d)Allspecialmeetingrequirements,asprescribedinSection54956shallbeapplicable toameetingcalledpursuanttothissection,withtheexceptionofthe24-hournotice requirement. (e)Theminutesofameetingcalledpursuanttothissection,alistofpersonswhothe presidingofficerofthelegislativebody,ordesigneeofthelegislativebody,notified orattemptedtonotify,acopyoftherollcallvote,andanyactionstakenatthe meetingshallbepostedforaminimumof10daysinapublicplaceassoonafterthe meetingaspossible. Section54956.6.Fees Nofeesmaybechargedbythelegislativebodyofalocalagencyforcarryingoutany provisionofthischapter,exceptasspecificallyauthorizedbythischapter. Section54956.7.Closedsessionsregardingapplicationfrompersonwithcriminal record Wheneveralegislativebodyofalocalagencydeterminesthatitisnecessarytodiscussand determinewhetheranapplicantforalicenseorlicenserenewal,whohasacriminalrecord, issufficientlyrehabilitatedtoobtainthelicense,thelegislativebodymayholdaclosed sessionwiththeapplicantandtheapplicant’sattorney,ifany,forthepurposeofholding thediscussionandmakingthedetermination.Ifthelegislativebodydetermines,asaresult oftheclosedsession,thattheissuanceorrenewalofthelicenseshouldbedenied,the applicantshallbeofferedtheopportunitytowithdrawtheapplication.Iftheapplicant withdrawstheapplication,norecordshallbekeptofthediscussionsordecisionsmadeat theclosedsessionandallmattersrelatingtotheclosedsessionshallbeconfidential.Ifthe applicantdoesnotwithdrawtheapplication,thelegislativebodyshalltakeactionatthe publicmeetingduringwhichtheclosedsessionisheldoratitsnextpublicmeetingdenying AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 40 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 theapplicationforthelicensebutallmattersrelatingtotheclosedsessionareconfidential andshallnotbedisclosedwithouttheconsentoftheapplicant,exceptinanactionbyan applicantwhohasbeendeniedalicensechallengingthedenialofthelicense. Section54956.75.Closedsessionforresponsetofinaldraftauditreport (a)Nothingcontainedinthischaptershallbeconstruedtopreventthelegislativebody ofalocalagencythathasreceivedaconfidentialfinaldraftauditreportfromthe BureauofStateAuditsfromholdingclosedsessionstodiscussitsresponsetothat report. (b)AfterthepublicreleaseofanauditreportbytheBureauofStateAudits,ifa legislativebodyofalocalagencymeetstodiscusstheauditreport,itshalldosoin anopensessionunlessexemptedfromthatrequirementbysomeotherprovisionof law. Section54956.8.Closedsessionsregardingrealpropertynegotiations Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthischapter,alegislativebodyofalocalagencymay holdaclosedsessionwithitsnegotiatorpriortothepurchase,sale,exchange,orleaseof realpropertybyorforthelocalagencytograntauthoritytoitsnegotiatorregardingtheprice andtermsofpaymentforthepurchase,sale,exchange,orlease.However,priortothe closedsession,thelegislativebodyofthelocalagencyshallholdanopenandpublic sessioninwhichitidentifiesitsnegotiators,therealpropertyorrealpropertieswhichthe negotiationsmayconcern,andthepersonorpersonswithwhomitsnegotiatorsmay negotiate. Forpurposesofthissection,negotiatorsmaybemembersofthelegislativebodyofthe localagency. Forpurposesofthissection,“lease”includesrenewalorrenegotiationofalease. Nothinginthissectionshallprecludealocalagencyfromholdingaclosedsessionfor discussionsregardingeminentdomainproceedingspursuanttoSection54956.9. Section54956.81.Closedsessionsregardingpurchaseorsaleofpensionfund investments Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthischapter,alegislativebodyofalocalagencythat investspensionfundsmayholdaclosedsessiontoconsiderthepurchaseorsaleof particular,specificpensionfundinvestments.Allinvestmenttransactiondecisionsmade duringtheclosedsessionshallbemadebyrollcallvoteenteredintotheminutesofthe closedsessionasprovidedinsubdivision(a)ofSection54957.2. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 41 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Section54956.86.Closedsessionforhealthplanmember Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthischapter,alegislativebodyofalocalagency whichprovidesservicespursuanttoSection14087.3oftheWelfareandInstitutionsCode mayholdaclosedsessiontohearachargeorcomplaintfromamemberenrolledinits healthplanifthememberdoesnotwishtohavehisorhername,medicalstatus,orother informationthatisprotectedbyfederallawpubliclydisclosed.Priortoholdingaclosed sessionpursuanttothissection,thelegislativebodyshallinformthemember,inwriting,of hisorherrighttohavethechargeorcomplaintheardinanopensessionratherthana closedsession. Section54956.87.Disclosureofrecordsandinformation;Meetingsinclosedsession (a)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthischapter,therecordsofahealthplanthat islicensedpursuanttotheKnox-KeeneHealthCareServicePlanActof1975 (Chapter2.2(commencingwithSection1340)ofDivision2oftheHealthandSafety Code)andthatisgovernedbyacountyboardofsupervisors,whetherpaperrecords, recordsmaintainedinthemanagementinformationsystem,orrecordsinanyother form,thatrelatetoproviderrateorpaymentdeterminations,allocationor distributionmethodologiesforproviderpayments,formulasorcalculationsforthese payments,andcontractnegotiationswithprovidersofhealthcareforalternative ratesareexemptfromdisclosureforaperiodofthreeyearsafterthecontractisfully executed.Thetransmissionoftherecords,ortheinformationcontainedthereinin analternativeform,totheboardofsupervisorsshallnotconstituteawaiverof exemptionfromdisclosure,andtherecordsandinformationoncetransmittedtothe boardofsupervisorsshallbesubjecttothissameexemption. (b)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflaw,thegoverningboardofahealthplanthat islicensedpursuanttotheKnox-KeeneHealthCareServicePlanActof1975 (Chapter2.2(commencingwithSection1340)ofDivision2oftheHealthandSafety Code)andthatisgovernedbyacountyboardofsupervisorsmayorderthata meetingheldsolelyforthepurposeofdiscussionortakingactiononhealthplan tradesecrets,asdefinedinsubdivision(f),shallbeheldinclosedsession.The requirementsofmakingapublicreportofactiontakeninclosedsession,andthe voteorabstentionofeverymemberpresent,maybelimitedtoabriefgeneral descriptionwithouttheinformationconstitutingthetradesecret. (c)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflaw,thegoverningboardofahealthplan maymeetinclosedsessiontoconsiderandtakeactiononmatterspertainingto contractsandcontractnegotiationsbythehealthplanwithprovidersofhealthcare servicesconcerningallmattersrelatedtoratesofpayment.Thegoverningboard maydeletetheportionorportionscontainingtradesecretsfromanydocumentsthat werefinallyapprovedintheclosedsessionheldpursuanttosubdivision(b)thatare providedtopersonswhohavemadethetimelyorstandingrequest. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 42 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (d)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedaspreventingthegoverningboardfrom meetinginclosedsessionasotherwiseprovidedbylaw. (e)TheprovisionsofthissectionshallnotpreventaccesstoanyrecordsbytheJoint LegislativeAuditCommitteeintheexerciseofitspowerspursuanttoArticle1 (commencingwithSection10500)ofChapter4ofPart2ofDivision2ofTitle2.The provisionsofthissectionalsoshallnotpreventaccesstoanyrecordsbythe DepartmentofCorporationsintheexerciseofitspowerspursuanttoArticle1 (commencingwithSection1340)ofChapter2.2ofDivision2oftheHealthandSafety Code. (f)Forpurposesofthissection,“healthplantradesecret”meansatradesecret,as definedinsubdivision(d)ofSection3426.1oftheCivilCode,thatalsomeetsbothof thefollowingcriteria: (1)Thesecrecyoftheinformationisnecessaryforthehealthplantoinitiatea newservice,program,marketingstrategy,businessplan,ortechnology,orto addabenefitorproduct. (2)Prematuredisclosureofthetradesecretwouldcreateasubstantial probabilityofdeprivingthehealthplanofasubstantialeconomicbenefitor opportunity. Section54956.9.Closedsessionsconcerningpendinglitigation;Lawyer-client privilege (a)Nothinginthischaptershallbeconstruedtopreventalegislativebodyofalocal agency,basedonadviceofitslegalcounsel,fromholdingaclosedsessiontoconfer with,orreceiveadvicefrom,itslegalcounselregardingpendinglitigationwhen discussioninopensessionconcerningthosematterswouldprejudicethepositionof thelocalagencyinthelitigation. (b)Forpurposesofthischapter,allexpressionsofthelawyer-clientprivilegeotherthan thoseprovidedinthissectionareherebyabrogated.Thissectionistheexclusive expressionofthelawyer-clientprivilegeforpurposesofconductingclosed-session meetingspursuanttothischapter. (c)Forpurposesofthissection,“litigation”includesanyadjudicatoryproceeding, includingeminentdomain,beforeacourt,administrativebodyexercisingits adjudicatoryauthority,hearingofficer,orarbitrator. (d)Forpurposesofthissection,litigationshallbeconsideredpendingwhenanyofthe followingcircumstancesexist: (1)Litigation,towhichthelocalagencyisaparty,hasbeeninitiatedformally. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 43 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (2)Apointhasbeenreachedwhere,intheopinionofthelegislativebodyofthe localagencyontheadviceofitslegalcounsel,basedonexistingfactsand circumstances,thereisasignificantexposuretolitigationagainstthelocal agency. (3)Basedonexistingfactsandcircumstances,thelegislativebodyofthelocal agencyismeetingonlytodecidewhetheraclosedsessionisauthorized pursuanttoparagraph(2). (4)Basedonexistingfactsandcircumstances,thelegislativebodyofthelocal agencyhasdecidedtoinitiateorisdecidingwhethertoinitiatelitigation. (e)Forpurposesofparagraphs(2)and(3)ofsubdivision(d),“existingfactsand circumstances”shallconsistonlyofoneofthefollowing: (1)Factsandcircumstancesthatmightresultinlitigationagainstthelocal agencybutwhichthelocalagencybelievesarenotyetknowntoapotential plaintifforplaintiffs,whichfactsandcircumstancesneednotbedisclosed. (2)Factsandcircumstances,including,butnotlimitedto,anaccident,disaster, incident,ortransactionaloccurrencethatmightresultinlitigationagainstthe agencyandthatareknowntoapotentialplaintifforplaintiffs,whichfactsor circumstancesshallbepubliclystatedontheagendaorannounced. (3)ThereceiptofaclaimpursuanttotheGovernmentClaimsAct(Division3.6 (commencingwithSection810)ofTitle1oftheGovernmentCode)orsome otherwrittencommunicationfromapotentialplaintiffthreateninglitigation, whichclaimorcommunicationshallbeavailableforpublicinspection pursuanttoSection54957.5. (4)Astatementmadebyapersoninanopenandpublicmeetingthreatening litigationonaspecificmatterwithintheresponsibilityofthelegislativebody. (5)Astatementthreateninglitigationmadebyapersonoutsideanopenand publicmeetingonaspecificmatterwithintheresponsibilityofthelegislative bodysolongastheofficialoremployeeofthelocalagencyreceiving knowledgeofthethreatmakesacontemporaneousorotherrecordofthe statementpriortothemeeting,whichrecordshallbeavailableforpublic inspectionpursuanttoSection54957.5.Therecordssocreatedneednot identifytheallegedvictimofunlawfulortortioussexualconductoranyone makingthethreatontheirbehalf,oridentifyapublicemployeewhoisthe allegedperpetratorofanyunlawfulortortiousconductuponwhichathreatof litigationisbased,unlesstheidentityofthepersonhasbeenpublicly disclosed. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 44 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (f)Nothinginthissectionshallrequiredisclosureofwrittencommunicationsthatare privilegedandnotsubjecttodisclosurepursuanttotheCaliforniaPublicRecordsAct (Chapter3.5(commencingwithSection6250)ofDivision7ofTitle1). (g)Priortoholdingaclosedsessionpursuanttothissection,thelegislativebodyofthe localagencyshallstateontheagendaorpubliclyannouncetheparagraphof subdivision(d)thatauthorizestheclosedsession.Ifthesessionisclosedpursuant toparagraph(1)ofsubdivision(d),thebodyshallstatethetitleoforotherwise specificallyidentifythelitigationtobediscussed,unlessthebodystatesthattodo sowouldjeopardizetheagency’sabilitytoeffectuateserviceofprocessupononeor moreunservedparties,orthattodosowouldjeopardizeitsabilitytoconclude existingsettlementnegotiationstoitsadvantage. (h)Alocalagencyshallbeconsideredtobea“party”ortohavea“significantexposure tolitigation”ifanofficeroremployeeofthelocalagencyisapartyorhassignificant exposuretolitigationconcerningpriororprospectiveactivitiesorallegedactivities duringthecourseandscopeofthatofficeoremployment,includinglitigationin whichitisanissuewhetheranactivityisoutsidethecourseandscopeoftheoffice oremployment. Section54956.95.Closedsessionsregardingliability (a)Nothinginthischaptershallbeconstruedtopreventajointpowersagencyformed pursuanttoArticle1(commencingwithSection6500)ofChapter5ofDivision7of Title1,forpurposesofinsurancepooling,oralocalagencymemberofthejoint powersagency,fromholdingaclosedsessiontodiscussaclaimforthepaymentof tortliabilitylosses,publicliabilitylosses,orworkers’compensationliabilityincurred bythejointpowersagencyoralocalagencymemberofthejointpowersagency. (b)NothinginthischaptershallbeconstruedtopreventtheLocalAgencySelf-Insurance AuthorityformedpursuanttoChapter5.5(commencingwithSection6599.01)of Division7ofTitle1,oralocalagencymemberoftheauthority,fromholdingaclosed sessiontodiscussaclaimforthepaymentoftortliabilitylosses,publicliability losses,orworkers’compensationliabilityincurredbytheauthorityoralocalagency memberoftheauthority. (c)NothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtoaffectSection54956.9withrespectto anyotherlocalagency. Section54956.96.Disclosureofspecifiedinformationinclosedsessionofjointpowers agency;Authorizationofdesignatedalternatetoattendclosed session;Closedsessionoflegislativebodyoflocalagencymember (a)Nothinginthischaptershallbeconstruedtopreventthelegislativebodyofajoint powersagencyformedpursuanttoArticle1(commencingwithSection6500)of AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 45 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Chapter5ofDivision7ofTitle1,fromadoptingapolicyorabylaworincludinginits jointpowersagreementprovisionsthatauthorizeeitherorbothofthefollowing: (1)Allinformationreceivedbythelegislativebodyofthelocalagencymemberin aclosedsessionrelatedtotheinformationpresentedtothejointpowers agencyinclosedsessionshallbeconfidential.However,amemberofthe legislativebodyofamemberlocalagencymaydiscloseinformationobtained inaclosedsessionthathasdirectfinancialorliabilityimplicationsforthat localagencytothefollowingindividuals: (A)Legalcounselofthatmemberlocalagencyforpurposesofobtaining adviceonwhetherthematterhasdirectfinancialorliability implicationsforthatmemberlocalagency. (B)Othermembersofthelegislativebodyofthelocalagencypresentina closedsessionofthatmemberlocalagency. (2)Anydesignatedalternatememberofthelegislativebodyofthejointpowers agencywhoisalsoamemberofthelegislativebodyofalocalagency memberandwhoisattendingaproperlynoticedmeetingofthejointpowers agencyinlieuofalocalagencymember’sregularlyappointedmemberto attendclosedsessionsofthejointpowersagency. (b)Ifthelegislativebodyofajointpowersagencyadoptsapolicyorabylaworincludes provisionsinitsjointpowersagreementpursuanttosubdivision(a),thenthe legislativebodyofthelocalagencymember,upontheadviceofitslegalcounsel, mayconductaclosedsessioninordertoreceive,discuss,andtakeaction concerninginformationobtainedinaclosedsessionofthejointpowersagency pursuanttoparagraph(1)ofsubdivision(a). Section54957.Closedsessionregardingpublicsecurity,facilities,employees, examinationofwitness (a)Thischaptershallnotbeconstruedtopreventthelegislativebodyofalocalagency fromholdingclosedsessionswiththeGovernor,AttorneyGeneral,districtattorney, agencycounsel,sheriff,orchiefofpolice,ortheirrespectivedeputies,orasecurity consultantorasecurityoperationsmanager,onmattersposingathreattothe securityofpublicbuildings,athreattothesecurityofessentialpublicservices, includingwater,drinkingwater,wastewatertreatment,naturalgasservice,and electricservice,orathreattothepublic’srightofaccesstopublicservicesorpublic facilities. (b)(1)Subjecttoparagraph(2),thischaptershallnotbeconstruedtopreventthe legislativebodyofalocalagencyfromholdingclosedsessionsduringa regularorspecialmeetingtoconsidertheappointment,employment, AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 46 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 evaluationofperformance,discipline,ordismissalofapublicemployeeorto hearcomplaintsorchargesbroughtagainsttheemployeebyanotherperson oremployeeunlesstheemployeerequestsapublicsession. (2)Asaconditiontoholdingaclosedsessiononspecificcomplaintsorcharges broughtagainstanemployeebyanotherpersonoremployee,theemployee shallbegivenwrittennoticeofhisorherrighttohavethecomplaintsor chargesheardinanopensessionratherthanaclosedsession,whichnotice shallbedeliveredtotheemployeepersonallyorbymailatleast24hours beforethetimeforholdingthesession.Ifnoticeisnotgiven,anydisciplinary orotheractiontakenbythelegislativebodyagainsttheemployeebasedon thespecificcomplaintsorchargesintheclosedsessionshallbenulland void. (3)Thelegislativebodyalsomayexcludefromthepublicorclosedmeeting, duringtheexaminationofawitness,anyorallotherwitnessesinthematter beinginvestigatedbythelegislativebody. (4)Forthepurposesofthissubdivision,theterm“employee”shallincludean officeroranindependentcontractorwhofunctionsasanofficeroran employeebutshallnotincludeanyelectedofficial,memberofalegislative bodyorotherindependentcontractors.Thissubdivisionshallnotlimitlocal officials’abilitytoholdclosedsessionmeetingspursuanttoSections1461, 32106,and32155oftheHealthandSafetyCodeorSections37606and 37624.3oftheGovernmentCode.Closedsessionsheldpursuanttothis subdivisionshallnotincludediscussionoractiononproposedcompensation exceptforareductionofcompensationthatresultsfromtheimpositionof discipline. Section54957.1.Publicreportofactiontakeninclosedsession;Form;Availability; Actionsforinjurytointerests (a)Thelegislativebodyofanylocalagencyshallpubliclyreportanyactiontakenin closedsessionandthevoteorabstentiononthatactionofeverymemberpresent, asfollows: (1)Approvalofanagreementconcludingrealestatenegotiationspursuantto Section54956.8shallbereportedaftertheagreementisfinal,asfollows: (A)Ifitsownapprovalrenderstheagreementfinal,thebodyshallreport thatapprovalandthesubstanceoftheagreementinopensessionat thepublicmeetingduringwhichtheclosedsessionisheld. (B)Iffinalapprovalrestswiththeotherpartytothenegotiations,thelocal agencyshalldisclosethefactofthatapprovalandthesubstanceof AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 47 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 theagreementuponinquirybyanyperson,assoonastheotherparty oritsagenthasinformedthelocalagencyofitsapproval. (2)Approvalgiventoitslegalcounseltodefend,orseekorrefrainfromseeking appellaterevieworrelief,ortoenterasanamicuscuriaeinanyformof litigationastheresultofaconsultationunderSection54956.9shallbe reportedinopensessionatthepublicmeetingduringwhichtheclosed sessionisheld.Thereportshallidentify,ifknown,theadversepartyor partiesandthesubstanceofthelitigation.Inthecaseofapprovalgivento initiateorinterveneinanaction,theannouncementneednotidentifythe action,thedefendants,orotherparticulars,butshallspecifythatthe directiontoinitiateorinterveneinanactionhasbeengivenandthatthe action,thedefendants,andtheotherparticularsshall,onceformally commenced,bedisclosedtoanypersonuponinquiry,unlesstodosowould jeopardizetheagency’sabilitytoeffectuateserviceofprocessononeormore unservedparties,orthattodosowouldjeopardizeitsabilitytoconclude existingsettlementnegotiationstoitsadvantage. (3)Approvalgiventoitslegalcounselofasettlementofpendinglitigation,as definedinSection54956.9,atanystagepriortoorduringajudicialorquasi- judicialproceedingshallbereportedafterthesettlementisfinal,asfollows: (A)Ifthelegislativebodyacceptsasettlementoffersignedbythe opposingparty,thebodyshallreportitsacceptanceandidentifythe substanceoftheagreementinopensessionatthepublicmeeting duringwhichtheclosedsessionisheld. (B)Iffinalapprovalrestswithsomeotherpartytothelitigationorwiththe court,thenassoonasthesettlementbecomesfinal,anduponinquiry byanyperson,thelocalagencyshalldisclosethefactofthatapproval, andidentifythesubstanceoftheagreement. (4)Dispositionreachedastoclaimsdiscussedinclosedsessionpursuantto Section54956.95shallbereportedassoonasreachedinamannerthat identifiesthenameoftheclaimant,thenameofthelocalagencyclaimed against,thesubstanceoftheclaim,andanymonetaryamountapprovedfor paymentandagreeduponbytheclaimant. (5)Actiontakentoappoint,employ,dismiss,accepttheresignationof,or otherwiseaffecttheemploymentstatusofapublicemployeeinclosed sessionpursuanttoSection54957shallbereportedatthepublicmeeting duringwhichtheclosedsessionisheld.Anyreportrequiredbythis paragraphshallidentifythetitleoftheposition.Thegeneralrequirementof thisparagraphnotwithstanding,thereportofadismissalorofthe AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 48 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 nonrenewalofanemploymentcontractshallbedeferreduntilthefirstpublic meetingfollowingtheexhaustionofadministrativeremedies,ifany. (6)Approvalofanagreementconcludinglabornegotiationswithrepresented employeespursuanttoSection54957.6shallbereportedaftertheagreement isfinalandhasbeenacceptedorratifiedbytheotherparty.Thereportshall identifytheitemapprovedandtheotherpartyorpartiestothenegotiation. (7)PensionfundinvestmenttransactiondecisionsmadepursuanttoSection 54956.81shallbedisclosedatthefirstopenmeetingofthelegislativebody heldaftertheearlierofthecloseoftheinvestmenttransactionorthetransfer ofpensionfundassetsfortheinvestmenttransaction. (b)Reportsthatarerequiredtobemadepursuanttothissectionmaybemadeorallyor inwriting.Thelegislativebodyshallprovidetoanypersonwhohassubmitteda writtenrequesttothelegislativebodywithin24hoursofthepostingoftheagenda, ortoanypersonwhohasmadeastandingrequestforalldocumentationaspartofa requestfornoticeofmeetingspursuanttoSection54954.1or54956,iftherequester ispresentatthetimetheclosedsessionends,copiesofanycontracts,settlement agreements,orotherdocumentsthatwerefinallyapprovedoradoptedintheclosed session.Iftheactiontakenresultsinoneormoresubstantiveamendmentstothe relateddocumentsrequiringretyping,thedocumentsneednotbereleaseduntilthe retypingiscompletedduringnormalbusinesshours,providedthatthepresiding officerofthelegislativebodyorhisorherdesigneeorallysummarizesthesubstance oftheamendmentsforthebenefitofthedocumentrequesteroranyotherperson presentandrequestingtheinformation. (c)Thedocumentationreferredtoinsubdivision(b)shallbeavailabletoanypersonon thenextbusinessdayfollowingthemeetinginwhichtheactionreferredtoistaken or,inthecaseofsubstantialamendments,whenanynecessaryretypingiscomplete. (d)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtorequirethatthelegislativebody approveactionsnototherwisesubjecttolegislativebodyapproval. (e)Noactionforinjurytoareputational,liberty,orotherpersonalinterestmaybe commencedbyoronbehalfofanyemployeeorformeremployeewithrespectto whomadisclosureismadebyalegislativebodyinanefforttocomplywiththis section. (f)Thissectionisnecessarytoimplement,andreasonablywithinthescopeof, paragraph(1)ofsubdivision(b)ofSection3ofArticleIoftheCaliforniaConstitution. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 49 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Section54957.2.Minutebookforclosedsessions (a)Thelegislativebodyofalocalagencymay,byordinanceorresolution,designatea clerkorotherofficeroremployeeofthelocalagencywhoshallthenattendeach closedsessionofthelegislativebodyandkeepandenterinaminutebookarecord oftopicsdiscussedanddecisionsmadeatthemeeting.Theminutebookmade pursuanttothissectionisnotapublicrecordsubjecttoinspectionpursuanttothe CaliforniaPublicRecordsAct(Chapter3.5(commencingwithSection6250)of Division7ofTitle1),andshallbekeptconfidential.Theminutebookshallbe availableonlytomembersofthelegislativebodyor,ifaviolationofthischapteris allegedtohaveoccurredataclosedsession,toacourtofgeneraljurisdiction whereinthelocalagencylies.Suchminutebookmay,butneednot,consistofa recordingoftheclosedsession. (b)Anelectedlegislativebodyofalocalagencymayrequirethateachlegislativebody alloramajorityofwhosemembersareappointedbyorundertheauthorityofthe electedlegislativebodykeepaminutebookasprescribedundersubdivision(a). Section54957.5.Agendasandotherwritingsaspublicrecords1 (a)NotwithstandingSection6255oranyotherlaw,agendasofpublicmeetingsandany otherwritings,whendistributedtoall,oramajorityofall,ofthemembersofa legislativebodyofalocalagencybyanypersoninconnectionwithamattersubject todiscussionorconsiderationatanopenmeetingofthebody,aredisclosable publicrecordsundertheCaliforniaPublicRecordsAct(Chapter3.5(commencing withSection6250)ofDivision7ofTitle1),andshallbemadeavailableuponrequest withoutdelay.However,thissectionshallnotincludeanywritingexemptfrom publicdisclosureunderSection6253.5,6254,6254.3,6254.7,6254.15,6254.16, 6254.22,or6254.26. (b)(1)Ifawritingthatisapublicrecordundersubdivision(a),andthatrelatestoan agendaitemforanopensessionofaregularmeetingofthelegislativebody ofalocalagency,isdistributedlessthan72hourspriortothatmeeting,the writingshallbemadeavailableforpublicinspectionpursuanttoparagraph (2)atthetimethewritingisdistributedtoall,oramajorityofall,ofthe membersofthebody. (2)Alocalagencyshallmakeanywritingdescribedinparagraph(1)availablefor publicinspectionatapublicofficeorlocationthattheagencyshalldesignate forthispurpose.Eachlocalagencyshalllisttheaddressofthisofficeor locationontheagendasforallmeetingsofthelegislativebodyofthat agency.Thelocalagencyalsomaypostthewritingonthelocalagency’s 1 SeeSectionIX.DoftheBrownActHandbookforadiscussionofSection54957.5(b). AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 50 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 InternetWebsiteinapositionandmannerthatmakesitclearthatthewriting relatestoanagendaitemforanupcomingmeeting. (3)ThissubdivisionshallbecomeoperativeonJuly1,2008. (c)Writingsthatarepublicrecordsundersubdivision(a)andthataredistributedduring apublicmeetingshallbemadeavailableforpublicinspectionatthemeetingif preparedbythelocalagencyoramemberofitslegislativebody,orafterthemeeting ifpreparedbysomeotherperson.Thesewritingsshallbemadeavailablein appropriatealternativeformatsuponrequestbyapersonwithadisability,as requiredbySection202oftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(42U.S.C.Sec. 12132),andthefederalrulesandregulationsadoptedinimplementationthereof. (d)Thischaptershallnotbeconstruedtopreventthelegislativebodyofalocalagency fromchargingafeeordepositforacopyofapublicrecordpursuanttoSection6253, exceptthatasurchargeshallnotbeimposedonpersonswithdisabilitiesinviolation ofSection202oftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(42U.S.C.Sec.12132), andthefederalrulesandregulationsadoptedinimplementationthereof. (e)Thissectionshallnotbeconstruedtolimitordelaythepublic’srighttoinspector obtainacopyofanyrecordrequiredtobedisclosedundertherequirementsofthe CaliforniaPublicRecordsAct(Chapter3.5(commencingwithSection6250)of Division7ofTitle1).Thischaptershallnotbeconstruedtorequirealegislativebody ofalocalagencytoplaceanypaidadvertisementoranyotherpaidnoticeinany publication. Section54957.6.Closedsessionsregardingemployeematters (a)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflaw,alegislativebodyofalocalagencymay holdclosedsessionswiththelocalagency’sdesignatedrepresentativesregarding thesalaries,salaryschedules,orcompensationpaidintheformoffringebenefitsof itsrepresentedandunrepresentedemployees,and,forrepresentedemployees,any othermatterwithinthestatutorilyprovidedscopeofrepresentation. However,priortotheclosedsession,thelegislativebodyofthelocalagencyshall holdanopenandpublicsessioninwhichitidentifiesitsdesignatedrepresentatives. Closedsessionsofalegislativebodyofalocalagency,aspermittedinthissection, shallbeforthepurposeofreviewingitspositionandinstructingthelocalagency’s designatedrepresentatives. Closedsessions,aspermittedinthissection,maytakeplacepriortoandduring consultationsanddiscussionswithrepresentativesofemployeeorganizationsand unrepresentedemployees. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 51 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Closedsessionswiththelocalagency’sdesignatedrepresentativeregardingthe salaries,salaryschedules,orcompensationpaidintheformoffringebenefitsmay includediscussionofanagency’savailablefundsandfundingpriorities,butonly insofarasthesediscussionsrelatetoprovidinginstructionstothelocalagency’s designatedrepresentative. Closedsessionsheldpursuanttothissectionshallnotincludefinalactiononthe proposedcompensationofoneormoreunrepresentedemployees. Forthepurposesenumeratedinthissection,alegislativebodyofalocalagencymay alsomeetwithastateconciliatorwhohasintervenedintheproceedings. (b)Forthepurposesofthissection,theterm“employee”shallincludeanofficeroran independentcontractorwhofunctionsasanofficeroranemployee,butshallnot includeanyelectedofficial,memberofalegislativebody,orotherindependent contractors. Section54957.7.Disclosureofitemstobediscussedatclosedsession (a)Priortoholdinganyclosedsession,thelegislativebodyofthelocalagencyshall disclose,inanopenmeeting,theitemoritemstobediscussedintheclosed session.Thedisclosuremaytaketheformofareferencetotheitemoritemsasthey arelistedbynumberorletterontheagenda.Intheclosedsession,thelegislative bodymayconsideronlythosematterscoveredinitsstatement.Nothinginthis sectionshallrequireorauthorizeadisclosureofinformationprohibitedbystateor federallaw. (b)Afteranyclosedsession,thelegislativebodyshallreconveneintoopensessionprior toadjournmentandshallmakeanydisclosuresrequiredbySection54957.1ofaction takenintheclosedsession. (c)Theannouncementsrequiredtobemadeinopensessionpursuanttothissection maybemadeatthelocationannouncedintheagendafortheclosedsession,as longasthepublicisallowedtobepresentatthatlocationforthepurposeofhearing theannouncements. Section54957.8.Closedsessionsofmultijurisdictionaldruglaw enforcementagencies (a)Forpurposesofthissection,“multijurisdictionallawenforcementagency”meansa jointpowersentityformedpursuanttoArticle1(commencingwithSection6500)of Chapter5ofDivision7ofTitle1thatprovideslawenforcementservicesforthe partiestothejointpowersagreementforthepurposeofinvestigatingcriminal activityinvolvingdrugs;gangs;sexcrimes;firearmstraffickingorfelonypossession ofafirearm;hightechnology,computer,oridentitytheft;humantrafficking;or vehicletheft. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 52 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (b)Nothingcontainedinthischaptershallbeconstruedtopreventthelegislativebody ofamultijurisdictionallawenforcementagency,oranadvisorybodyofa multijurisdictionallawenforcementagency,fromholdingclosedsessionstodiscuss thecaserecordsofanyongoingcriminalinvestigationofthemultijurisdictionallaw enforcementagencyorofanypartytothejointpowersagreement,toheartestimony frompersonsinvolvedintheinvestigation,andtodiscusscoursesofactionin particularcases. Section54957.9.Authorizationtoclearroomwheremeetingwillfullyinterrupted; Readmission Intheeventthatanymeetingiswillfullyinterruptedbyagrouporgroupsofpersonssoasto rendertheorderlyconductofsuchmeetingunfeasibleandordercannotberestoredbythe removalofindividualswhoarewillfullyinterruptingthemeeting,themembersofthe legislativebodyconductingthemeetingmayorderthemeetingroomclearedandcontinue insession.Onlymattersappearingontheagendamaybeconsideredinsuchasession. Representativesofthepressorothernewsmedia,exceptthoseparticipatinginthe disturbance,shallbeallowedtoattendanysessionheldpursuanttothissection.Nothing inthissectionshallprohibitthelegislativebodyfromestablishingaprocedurefor readmittinganindividualorindividualsnotresponsibleforwillfullydisturbingtheorderly conductofthemeeting. Section54957.10.Closedsessionsregardingapplicationforearlywithdrawalof deferredcompensationplanfunds Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflaw,alegislativebodyofalocalagencymayhold closedsessionstodiscussalocalagencyemployee’sapplicationforearlywithdrawalof fundsinadeferredcompensationplanwhentheapplicationisbasedonfinancialhardship arisingfromanunforeseeableemergencyduetoillness,accident,casualty,orother extraordinaryevent,asspecifiedinthedeferredcompensationplan. Section54958.Applicationofchapter Theprovisionsofthischaptershallapplytothelegislativebodyofeverylocalagency notwithstandingtheconflictingprovisionsofanyotherstatelaw. Section54959.Criminalpenaltyforviolationofchapter Eachmemberofalegislativebodywhoattendsameetingofthatlegislativebodywhere actionistakeninviolationofanyprovisionofthischapter,andwherethememberintends todeprivethepublicofinformationtowhichthememberknowsorhasreasontoknowthe publicisentitledunderthischapter,isguiltyofamisdemeanor. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 53 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Section54960.Proceedingtopreventviolationofchapter;Recordingclosed sessions;Procedurefordiscoveryoftapes (a)Thedistrictattorneyoranyinterestedpersonmaycommenceanactionby mandamus,injunction,ordeclaratoryreliefforthepurposeofstoppingorpreventing violationsorthreatenedviolationsofthischapterbymembersofthelegislativebody ofalocalagencyortodeterminetheapplicabilityofthischaptertoongoingactions orthreatenedfutureactionsofthelegislativebody,ortodeterminetheapplicability ofthischaptertopastactionsofthelegislativebody,subjecttoSection54960.2,or todeterminewhetheranyruleoractionbythelegislativebodytopenalizeor otherwisediscouragetheexpressionofoneormoreofitsmembersisvalidorinvalid underthelawsofthisstateoroftheUnitedStates,ortocompelthelegislativebody toaudiorecorditsclosedsessionsashereinafterprovided. (b)Thecourtinitsdiscretionmay,uponajudgmentofaviolationofSection54956.7, 54956.8,54956.9,54956.95,54957,or54957.6,orderthelegislativebodytoaudio recorditsclosedsessionsandpreservetheaudiorecordingsfortheperiodand underthetermsofsecurityandconfidentialitythecourtdeemsappropriate. (c)(1)Eachrecordingsokeptshallbeimmediatelylabeledwiththedateofthe closedsessionrecordedandthetitleoftheclerkorotherofficerwhoshallbe custodianoftherecording. (2)Theaudiorecordingsshallbesubjecttothefollowingdiscoveryprocedures: (A)Inanycaseinwhichdiscoveryordisclosureoftheaudiorecordingis soughtbyeitherthedistrictattorneyortheplaintiffinacivilaction pursuanttoSection54959,54960,or54960.1allegingthataviolation ofthischapterhasoccurredinaclosedsessionthathasbeen recordedpursuanttothissection,thepartyseekingdiscoveryor disclosureshallfileawrittennoticeofmotionwiththeappropriate courtwithnoticetothegovernmentalagencythathascustodyand controloftheaudiorecording.Thenoticeshallbegivenpursuantto subdivision(b)ofSection1005oftheCodeofCivilProcedure. (B)Thenoticeshallinclude,inadditiontotheitemsrequiredbySection 1010oftheCodeofCivilProcedure,allofthefollowing: (i)Identificationoftheproceedinginwhichdiscoveryor disclosureissought,thepartyseekingdiscoveryordisclosure, thedateandtimeofthemeetingrecorded,andthe governmentalagencythathascustodyandcontrolofthe recording. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 54 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (ii)Anaffidavitthatcontainsspecificfactsindicatingthata violationoftheactoccurredintheclosedsession. (3)Ifthecourt,followingareviewofthemotion,findsthatthereisgoodcauseto believethataviolationhasoccurred,thecourtmayreview,incamera,the recordingofthatportionoftheclosedsessionallegedtohaveviolatedthe act. (4)If,followingtheincamerareview,thecourtconcludesthatdisclosureofa portionoftherecordingwouldbelikelytomateriallyassistintheresolution ofthelitigationallegingviolationofthischapter,thecourtshall,inits discretion,makeacertifiedtranscriptoftheportionoftherecordingapublic exhibitintheproceeding. (5)Thissectionshallnotpermitdiscoveryofcommunicationsthatareprotected bytheattorney-clientprivilege. Section54960.1.Proceedingtodeterminevalidityofaction;Demandforcorrection (a)Thedistrictattorneyoranyinterestedpersonmaycommenceanactionby mandamusorinjunctionforthepurposeofobtainingajudicialdeterminationthatan actiontakenbyalegislativebodyofalocalagencyinviolationofSection54953, 54954.2,54954.5,54954.6,54956,or54956.5isnullandvoidunderthissection. Nothinginthischaptershallbeconstruedtopreventalegislativebodyfromcuring orcorrectinganactionchallengedpursuanttothissection. (b)Priortoanyactionbeingcommencedpursuanttosubdivision(a),thedistrict attorneyorinterestedpersonshallmakeademandofthelegislativebodytocureor correcttheactionallegedtohavebeentakeninviolationofSection54953,54954.2, 54954.5,54954.6,54956,or54956.5.Thedemandshallbeinwritingandclearly describethechallengedactionofthelegislativebodyandnatureofthealleged violation. (c)(1)Thewrittendemandshallbemadewithin90daysfromthedatetheaction wastakenunlesstheactionwastakeninanopensessionbutinviolationof Section54954.2,inwhichcasethewrittendemandshallbemadewithin30 daysfromthedatetheactionwastaken. (2)Within30daysofreceiptofthedemand,thelegislativebodyshallcureor correctthechallengedactionandinformthedemandingpartyinwritingofits actionstocureorcorrectorinformthedemandingpartyinwritingofits decisionnottocureorcorrectthechallengedaction. (3)Ifthelegislativebodytakesnoactionwithinthe30-dayperiod,theinaction shallbedeemedadecisionnottocureorcorrectthechallengedaction,and AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 55 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 the15-dayperiodtocommencetheactiondescribedinsubdivision(a)shall commencetorunthedayafterthe30-dayperiodtocureorcorrectexpires. (4)Within15daysofreceiptofthewrittennoticeofthelegislativebody’s decisiontocureorcorrect,ornottocureorcorrect,orwithin15daysofthe expirationofthe30-dayperiodtocureorcorrect,whicheverisearlier,the demandingpartyshallberequiredtocommencetheactionpursuantto subdivision(a)orthereafterbebarredfromcommencingtheaction. (d)AnactiontakenthatisallegedtohavebeentakeninviolationofSection54953, 54954.2,54954.5,54954.6,54956,or54956.5shallnotbedeterminedtobenulland voidifanyofthefollowingconditionsexist: (1)TheactiontakenwasinsubstantialcompliancewithSections54953, 54954.2,54954.5,54954.6,54956,and54956.5. (2)Theactiontakenwasinconnectionwiththesaleorissuanceofnotes,bonds, orotherevidencesofindebtednessoranycontract,instrument,oragreement thereto. (3)Theactiontakengaverisetoacontractualobligation,includingacontractlet bycompetitivebidotherthancompensationforservicesintheformofsalary orfeesforprofessionalservices,uponwhichapartyhas,ingoodfaithand withoutnoticeofachallengetothevalidityoftheaction,detrimentallyrelied. (4)Theactiontakenwasinconnectionwiththecollectionofanytax. (5)Anyperson,city,cityandcounty,county,district,oranyagencyor subdivisionofthestateallegingnoncompliancewithsubdivision(a)of Section54954.2,Section54956,orSection54956.5,becauseofanydefect, error,irregularity,oromissioninthenoticegivenpursuanttothose provisions,hadactualnoticeoftheitemofbusinessatleast72hourspriorto themeetingatwhichtheactionwastaken,ifthemeetingwasnoticed pursuanttoSection54954.2,or24hourspriortothemeetingatwhichthe actionwastakenifthemeetingwasnoticedpursuanttoSection54956,or priortothemeetingatwhichtheactionwastakenifthemeetingisheld pursuanttoSection54956.5. (e)Duringanyactionseekingajudicialdeterminationpursuanttosubdivision(a)ifthe courtdetermines,pursuanttoashowingbythelegislativebodythatanaction allegedtohavebeentakeninviolationofSection54953,54954.2,54954.5,54954.6, 54956,or54956.5hasbeencuredorcorrectedbyasubsequentactionofthe legislativebody,theactionfiledpursuanttosubdivision(a)shallbedismissedwith prejudice. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 56 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (f)Thefactthatalegislativebodytakesasubsequentactiontocureorcorrectanaction takenpursuanttothissectionshallnotbeconstruedoradmissibleasevidenceofa violationofthischapter. Section54960.2 Proceedingtodeterminetheapplicabilityofchaptertopastactionsof legislativebody;Conditions;Ceaseanddesistletter (a)Thedistrictattorneyoranyinterestedpersonmayfileanactiontodeterminethe applicabilityofthischaptertopastactionsofthelegislativebodypursuantto subdivision(a)ofSection54960onlyifallofthefollowingconditionsaremet: (1)Thedistrictattorneyorinterestedpersonallegingaviolationofthischapter firstsubmitsaceaseanddesistletterbypostalmailorfacsimiletransmission totheclerkorsecretaryofthelegislativebodybeingaccusedoftheviolation, asdesignatedinthestatementpertainingtothatpublicagencyonfile pursuanttoSection53051,oriftheagencydoesnothaveastatementonfile designatingaclerkorasecretary,tothechiefexecutiveofficerofthatagency, clearlydescribingthepastactionofthelegislativebodyandnatureofthe allegedviolation. (2)Theceaseanddesistletterrequiredunderparagraph(1)issubmittedtothe legislativebodywithinninemonthsoftheallegedviolation. (3)Thetimeduringwhichthelegislativebodymayrespondtotheceaseand desistletterpursuanttosubdivision(b)hasexpiredandthelegislativebody hasnotprovidedanunconditionalcommitmentpursuanttosubdivision(c). (4)Within60daysofreceiptofthelegislativebody'sresponsetotheceaseand desistletter,otherthananunconditionalcommitmentpursuantto subdivision(c),orwithin60daysoftheexpirationofthetimeduringwhich thelegislativebodymayrespondtotheceaseanddesistletterpursuantto subdivision(b),whicheverisearlier,thepartysubmittingtheceaseand desistlettershallcommencetheactionpursuanttosubdivision(a)ofSection 54960orthereafterbebarredfromcommencingtheaction. (b)Thelegislativebodymayrespondtoaceaseanddesistlettersubmittedpursuantto subdivision(a)within30daysofreceivingtheletter.Thissubdivisionshallnotbe construedtopreventthelegislativebodyfromprovidinganunconditional commitmentpursuanttosubdivision(c)atanytimeafterthe30-dayperiodhas expired,exceptthatinthateventthecourtshallawardcourtcostsandreasonable attorneyfeestotheplaintiffinanactionbroughtpursuanttothissection,in accordancewithSection54960.5. (c)(1)Ifthelegislativebodyelectstorespondtotheceaseanddesistletterwithan unconditionalcommitmenttocease,desistfrom,andnotrepeatthepast AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 57 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 actionthatisallegedtoviolatethischapter,thatresponseshallbein substantiallythefollowingform: To______________________: The[nameoflegislativebody]hasreceivedyourceaseanddesistletterdated [date]allegingthatthefollowingdescribedpastactionofthelegislativebody violatestheRalphM.BrownAct: [Describeallegedpastaction,assetforthintheceaseanddesistletter submittedpursuanttosubdivision(a)] Inordertoavoidunnecessarylitigationandwithoutadmittinganyviolationof theRalphM.BrownAct,the[nameoflegislativebody]herebyunconditionally commitsthatitwillcease,desistfrom,andnotrepeatthechallengedpast actionasdescribedabove. The[nameoflegislativebody]mayrescindthiscommitmentonlybya majorityvoteofitsmembershiptakeninopensessionataregularmeeting andnoticedonitspostedagendaas“RescissionofBrownActCommitment.” Youwillbeprovidedwithwrittennotice,sentbyanymeansormediayou provideinresponsetothismessage,towhateveraddressoraddressesyou specify,ofanyintentiontoconsiderrescindingthiscommitmentatleast30 daysbeforeanysuchregularmeeting.Intheeventthatthiscommitmentis rescinded,youwillhavetherighttocommencelegalactionpursuantto subdivision(a)ofSection54960oftheGovernmentCode.Thatnoticewillbe deliveredtoyoubythesamemeansasthiscommitment,ormaybemailedto anaddressthatyouhavedesignatedinwriting. Verytrulyyours, ________________________________________________ [Chairpersonoractingchairpersonofthelegislativebody] (2)Anunconditionalcommitmentpursuanttothissubdivisionshallbeapproved bythelegislativebodyinopensessionataregularorspecialmeetingasa separateitemofbusiness,andnotonitsconsentagenda. (3)Anactionshallnotbecommencedtodeterminetheapplicabilityofthis chaptertoanypastactionofthelegislativebodyforwhichthelegislative bodyhasprovidedanunconditionalcommitmentpursuanttothis subdivision.Duringanyactionseekingajudicialdeterminationregardingthe applicabilityofthischaptertoanypastactionofthelegislativebodypursuant tosubdivision(a),ifthecourtdeterminesthatthelegislativebodyhas AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 58 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 providedanunconditionalcommitmentpursuanttothissubdivision,the actionshallbedismissedwithprejudice.Nothinginthissubdivisionshallbe construedtomodifyorlimittheexistingabilityofthedistrictattorneyorany interestedpersontocommenceanactiontodeterminetheapplicabilityof thischaptertoongoingactionsorthreatenedfutureactionsofthelegislative body. (4)Exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(d),thefactthatalegislativebodyprovides anunconditionalcommitmentshallnotbeconstruedoradmissibleas evidenceofaviolationofthischapter. (d)Ifthelegislativebodyprovidesanunconditionalcommitmentassetforthin subdivision(c),thelegislativebodyshallnotthereaftertakeorengageinthe challengedactiondescribedintheceaseanddesistletter,exceptasprovidedin subdivision(e).Violationofthissubdivisionshallconstituteanindependent violationofthischapter,withoutregardtowhetherthechallengedactionwould otherwiseviolatethischapter.Anactionallegingpastviolationorthreatenedfuture violationofthissubdivisionmaybebroughtpursuanttosubdivision(a)ofSection 54960,withoutregardtotheproceduralrequirementsofthissection. (e)Thelegislativebodymayresolvetorescindanunconditionalcommitmentmade pursuanttosubdivision(c)byamajorityvoteofitsmembershiptakeninopen sessionataregularmeetingasaseparateitemofbusinessnotonitsconsent agenda,andnoticedonitspostedagendaas“RescissionofBrownAct Commitment,”providedthatnotlessthan30dayspriortosuchregularmeeting,the legislativebodyprovideswrittennoticeofitsintenttoconsidertherescissionto eachpersontowhomtheunconditionalcommitmentwasmade,andtothedistrict attorney.Uponrescission,thedistrictattorneyoranyinterestedpersonmay commenceanactionpursuanttosubdivision(a)ofSection54960.Anactionunder thissubdivisionmaybebroughtpursuanttosubdivision(a)ofSection54960, withoutregardtotheproceduralrequirementsofthissection. Section54960.5.Costsandattorneyfees Acourtmayawardcourtcostsandreasonableattorneyfeestotheplaintiffinanaction broughtpursuanttoSection54960,54960.1or54960.2whereitisfoundthatalegislative bodyofthelocalagencyhasviolatedthischapter.Additionally,whenanactionbrought pursuanttoSection54960.2isdismissedwithprejudicebecausealegislativebodyhas providedanunconditionalcommitmentpursuanttoparagraph(1)ofsubdivision(c)ofthat sectionatanytimeafterthe30-dayperiodformakingsuchacommitmenthasexpired,the courtshallawardcourtcostsandreasonableattorneyfeestotheplaintiffifthefilingofthat actioncausedthelegislativebodytoissuetheunconditionalcommitment.Thecostsand feesshallbepaidbythelocalagencyandshallnotbecomeapersonalliabilityofanypublic officeroremployeeofthelocalagency. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 59 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Acourtmayawardcourtcostsandreasonableattorneyfeestoadefendantinanyaction broughtpursuanttoSection54960or54960.1wherethedefendanthasprevailedinafinal determinationofsuchactionandthecourtfindsthattheactionwasclearlyfrivolousand totallylackinginmerit. Section54961.Meetingplacewithdiscriminatoryadmissionpolicies;Identification ofvictimofsexualorchildabuse (a)Nolegislativebodyofalocalagencyshallconductanymeetinginanyfacilitythat prohibitstheadmittanceofanyperson,orpersons,onthebasisofancestryorany characteristiclistedordefinedinSection11135,orwhichisinaccessibletodisabled persons,orwheremembersofthepublicmaynotbepresentwithoutmakinga paymentorpurchase.Thissectionshallapplytoeverylocalagencyasdefinedin Section54951. (b)Nonotice,agenda,announcement,orreportrequiredunderthischapterneed identifyanyvictimorallegedvictimoftortioussexualconductorchildabuseunless theidentityofthepersonhasbeenpubliclydisclosed. Section54962.Prohibitionagainstclosedsessionsexceptasexpresslyauthorized Exceptasexpresslyauthorizedbythischapter,orbySections1461,1462,32106,and32155 oftheHealthandSafetyCode,orbySections37606,37606.1,and37624.3ofthe GovernmentCodeastheyapplytohospitals,orbyanyprovisionoftheEducationCode pertainingtoschooldistrictsandcommunitycollegedistricts,noclosedsessionmaybe heldbyanylegislativebodyofanylocalagency. Section54963.Disclosureofconfidentialinformationacquiredinclosedsession prohibited;Disciplinaryactionforviolation (a)Apersonmaynotdiscloseconfidentialinformationthathasbeenacquiredbybeing presentinaclosedsessionauthorizedbySection54956.7,54956.8,54956.86, 54956.87,54956.9,54957,54957.6,54957.8,or54957.10toapersonnotentitledto receiveit,unlessthelegislativebodyauthorizesdisclosureofthatconfidential information. (b)Forpurposesofthissection,“confidentialinformation”meansacommunication madeinaclosedsessionthatisspecificallyrelatedtothebasisforthelegislative bodyofalocalagencytomeetlawfullyinclosedsessionunderthischapter. (c)Violationofthissectionmaybeaddressedbytheuseofsuchremediesasare currentlyavailablebylaw,including,butnotlimitedto: (1)Injunctiverelieftopreventthedisclosureofconfidentialinformation prohibitedbythissection. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 60 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 (2)Disciplinaryactionagainstanemployeewhohaswillfullydisclosed confidentialinformationinviolationofthissection. (3)Referralofamemberofalegislativebodywhohaswillfullydisclosed confidentialinformationinviolationofthissectiontothegrandjury. (d)Disciplinaryactionpursuanttoparagraph(2)ofsubdivision(c)shallrequirethatthe employeeinquestionhaseitherreceivedtrainingastotherequirementsofthis sectionorotherwisehasbeengivennoticeoftherequirementsofthissection. (e)Alocalagencymaynottakeanyactionauthorizedbysubdivision(c)againsta person,norshallitbedeemedaviolationofthissection,fordoinganyofthe following: (1)Makingaconfidentialinquiryorcomplainttoadistrictattorneyorgrandjury concerningaperceivedviolationoflaw,includingdisclosingfactstoadistrict attorneyorgrandjurythatarenecessarytoestablishtheillegalityofanaction takenbyalegislativebodyofalocalagencyorthepotentialillegalityofan actionthathasbeenthesubjectofdeliberationataclosedsessionifthat actionweretobetakenbyalegislativebodyofalocalagency. (2)Expressinganopinionconcerningtheproprietyorlegalityofactionstakenby alegislativebodyofalocalagencyinclosedsession,includingdisclosureof thenatureandextentoftheillegalorpotentiallyillegalaction. (3)Disclosinginformationacquiredbybeingpresentinaclosedsessionunder thischapterthatisnotconfidentialinformation. (f)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtoprohibitdisclosuresunderthe whistleblowerstatutescontainedinSection1102.5oftheLaborCodeorArticle4.5 (commencingwithSection53296)ofChapter2ofthiscode. AppendixA–TheTextoftheRalphM.BrownAct RalphM.BrownAct Page 61 ©2016Richards,Watson&Gershon 1942353.1 Thispageleftblankintentionally.