A Guide to Brown Act Changes Coming in 2026: What You Need to Know About SB 707

Senate Bill 707 brings several important updates to the Brown Act next year. Charter schools are not considered “eligible legislative bodies” under SB 707, so the following key updates apply for charter school board meetings:

• Brown Act distribution now mandatory. Agencies must give every board member a copy of the Brown Act. (Tip: send a copy of Procopio’s 2026 Brown Act booklet by email in January and add it to onboarding.)
  
  
• New teleconference accommodation rules. Board members with disabilities may participate remotely without traditional teleconference requirements, with some conditions.
  
  
• Traditional teleconference rules unchanged. Posting the notice at all meetings locations (including teleconference locations on the agenda), public access, quorum requirements, and roll-call votes still apply.
  
  
• Updated “just cause” remote participation rules. The rules have been merged and expanded through 2030, with limits on use, notice requirements, and required audio/video.
  
  
• Revised emergency teleconference authority. This now includes qualifying local emergencies declared by your agency.
  
  
• Social media guardrails extended. A majority of the board still cannot engage on the same topic of school business on social media, and may not react to or repost each other’s content.
  
  
• Clearer rules on oral reports for executive compensation. This requirement for an oral report before final action on compensation applies to positions like Principal, CFO, or HR Director only if the board approves their contracts.
  
  
• Authority to remove disruptive individuals during Zoom meetings. Boards may mute or remove disruptive participants after a warning.
  
  
• Public comment not required on items already fully heard by a compliant committee. Several exceptions apply. 

Click here to read our full article about SB 707’s changes to the Brown Act, including the additional changes for “eligible legislative bodies.” 

Bottom line for charter schools:

For teleconferencing, traditional teleconferencing rules remain your most reliable option, but boards should prepare for the rest of the 2026 Brown Act updates now.

If you’d like help understanding SB 707 or training your board, don’t hesitate to reach out to Greta Proctor or Kevin Davis.