A California bill is seeking to amend the state’s open meeting laws to allow community college student body associations to conduct meetings via teleconference. State Assembly Bill 1855, introduced by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, would grant community college boards and student associations the ability to utilize teleconferencing without adhering to all of the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act, a law established in 1953 to ensure the public’s right to attend and participate in local legislative body meetings.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom temporarily adjusted the Brown Act to permit fully virtual meetings. However, upon the conclusion of the state of emergency in February 2023, the full Brown Act regulations were reinstated. Advocates have since pushed for increased teleconferencing, citing enhanced public access and participation opportunities.
Assemblymember Arambula stated in an April analysis of the bill, “During the COVID-19 public health emergency, audio and video teleconferencing proved successful in boosting participation and safeguarding the health and safety of civil servants and the public. It is time to update the [Brown] Act to align with modern times and address the new challenges faced by our students.”
He argued that the current provisions of the act may hinder access for students with disabilities, limited transportation options, or other limitations preventing in-person attendance. If approved, Assembly Bill 1855 would exempt community college associations from certain agenda notification requirements, accessibility mandates for teleconference locations, and the necessity for a quorum of members to be physically present within their represented area.
However, student associations utilizing teleconferencing would still need to ensure a quorum of members is present, post meeting agendas, provide notice of access methods and comment opportunities, and be overseen by the community college’s board of trustees.
“Students should have the ability to engage with their student body associations without compromising safety, privacy, or accessibility,” emphasized Mr. Arambula.
The Student Senate for California Community Colleges, representing all 1.8 million students, sponsored the bill, contending that current Brown Act requirements create disparities in access to student-run legislative bodies and jeopardize the safety and privacy of students facing unique circumstances.
Despite the bill’s support, various journalism groups expressed reservations, asserting in an April analysis that “this bill is not necessary to achieve its supporters’ stated purpose.” They noted that remote participation for the public enhances transparency, and agencies covered by the Brown Act could already provide such remote access to in-person meetings.
The bill passed the Assembly on April 22 with a 53-12 vote and underwent an initial hearing in the Senate’s Education Committee on May 25. It is set to be amended and reviewed in the same committee in the following weeks.
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