TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
FROM: Pamela Coleman, City Clerk Services Director
1. Subject
title
Technology Disruption Policy to address disruption of telephonic or internet service during City Council meetings
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2. Summary
Changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act enacted via Senate Bill 707 (SB707) require eligible legislative bodies, including the Orange City Council, to provide two-way remote public access to City Council meetings and to adopt a formal policy addressing the disruption of services which enable remote participation in open session. The policy must be adopted by July 1, 2026, and may not be considered on the Consent Calendar.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 11684. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange adopting a Technology Disruption Policy for public meetings pursuant to Senate Bill 707 and the Ralph M. Brown Act.
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4. Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the policy.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 3: Enhance Public Communication Strategy and Quality of Life
6. Discussion and Background
On October 3, 2025, Governor Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), which amends the Brown Act with the intent to provide enhanced accessibility for members of the public during local government meetings of legislative bodies. Among the various new requirements under SB 707, eligible legislative bodies, as defined by the legislation, must now offer hybrid meetings (through a two-way phone or video platform) and must adopt a policy, in open session, detailing the process by which any interruptions in service will be handled.
The proposed policy establishes a framework for responding to a disruption in telephonic or internet services and formalizing a process for Council and staff to follow should that service be interrupted. Pursuant to GC § 54953.4.(b)(1)(ib)(Ia) the Technology Disruption Policy is presented for adoption prior to July 1, 2026 as a City Council discussion item.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution No. 11684