Assembly Bill 2449 (Rubio) amended the Brown Act (until 2026-01-01) to allow for some relaxed teleconferencing rules relative to pre-pandemic rules. From the Legislative analysis:

This bill would revise and recast those teleconferencing provisions and, until January 1, 2026, would authorize a local agency to use teleconferencing without complying with the teleconferencing requirements that each teleconference location be identified in the notice and agenda and that each teleconference location be accessible to the public if at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a singular physical location clearly identified on the agenda that is open to the public and situated within the local agency’s jurisdiction. Under this exception, the bill would authorize a member to participate remotely under specified circumstances, including participating remotely for just cause or due to emergency circumstances. The emergency circumstances basis for remote participation would be contingent on a request to, and action by, the legislative body, as prescribed.

Therefore, this agenda item is a standing item to allow the VCAS to act in the event that there are requests.

VCAS members making such requests verify that they meet all requirements of AB 2449, have read the text of the bill linked above, and have notified the VCAS President of their need to participate remotely.

(j) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) “Emergency circumstances” means a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person.

(2) “Just cause” means any of the following:

(A) A childcare or caregiving need of a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires them to participate remotely. “Child,” “parent,” “grandparent,” “grandchild,” and “sibling” have the same meaning as those terms do in Section 12945.2.

(B) A contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person.

(C) A need related to a physical or mental disability as defined in Sections 12926 and 12926.1 not otherwise accommodated by subdivision (g).

(D) Travel while on official business of the legislative body or another state or local agency.

VC Academic Senate Council Meeting

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