Meeting_Body
MEASURE M INDEPENDENT TAXPAYER OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
MARCH 4, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: ELIGIBILITY TO MEET VIA TELECONFERENCE IN COMPLIANCE WITH SENATE BILL 707 (DURAZO)
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE the Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee’s use of relaxed teleconferencing rules for eligible subsidiary bodies pursuant to Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), Government Code section 54953.8.6, as authorized by the findings made by the Metro Board of Directors.
Issue
ISSUE
SB 707 (Attachment A), signed into law in October 2025, updates and extends the relaxed teleconferencing options first authorized under Assembly Bill 2449 (Rubio). These relaxed rules allow members of a legislative body to participate in a teleconference meeting from a remote location that is not accessible to the public, provided certain requirements are met.
While SB 707 continues to provide relaxed teleconferencing options for a legislative body of a local agency (i.e., bodies subject to the Brown Act) under updated “just cause” requirements or as a reasonable accommodation, it adds an additional avenue for “eligible subsidiary bodies” (defined in SB 707) to meet remotely using the relaxed teleconferencing standards (outside of “just cause” reasons). Under these expanded rules, an eligible subsidiary body may elect to meet remotely under the relaxed teleconferencing standards if the Metro Board adopts the required statutory findings and renews them every six months.
This Committee qualifies as an eligible subsidiary body; however, the relaxed meeting requirements do not take effect automatically. Formal adoption is required before the Committee may utilize these provisions.
Background
BACKGROUND
The Brown Act, first enacted in 1953, governs meetings conducted by local legislative bodies, such as boards of supervisors, city councils and school boards. It establishes open meeting requirements for legislative bodies to ensure transparency and public access to governmental decision-making.
Assembly Bill 2449 (AB 2449), enacted in September 2022, amended the Brown Act to allow limited remote participation by members of legislative bodies under specified “just cause” or emergency circumstances, subject to notice, access, and quorum requirements. AB 2449 expired on December 31, 2025.
SB 707 further amended the Brown Act by extending and modifying the teleconferencing provisions set forth by AB 2449 and by authorizing certain eligible subsidiary bodies to meet using relaxed teleconferencing standards without requiring a “just cause” determination for each participating member. SB 707 requires the adoption of specific findings by the governing body (the Metro Board) and mandates periodic reaffirmation of those findings for continued use of the relaxed requirements.
On January 22, 2026, the Metro Board approved the required statutory findings under SB 707, establishing that eligible subsidiary bodies may utilize the relaxed teleconferencing provisions. The Metro Board must make these findings every 6 months for the eligible bodies to continue to use relaxed teleconferencing under SB 707.
The Committee, as an eligible body, may approve by majority vote to operate under these relaxed teleconferencing rules.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The Committee qualifies as an eligible subsidiary body under SB 707. The Committee’s advisory role to the Metro Board and its composition meet the statutory criteria for use of the relaxed teleconferencing provisions.
Authorizing the Committee to operate under the relaxed meeting requirements would provide additional flexibility in meeting participation and support the Committee’s ability to maintain a quorum while continuing to comply with applicable Brown Act requirements.
Use of the relaxed teleconferencing provisions authorized under SB 707 is optional and requires adoption by the Committee. Continued use of these provisions is contingent upon the Metro Board’s renewal of the required statutory findings at least every six months.
If the relaxed provisions are not reaffirmed by Metro’s Board every six months, the Committee would be required to conduct meetings in accordance with standard Brown Act meeting requirements.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
This action does not have an impact on safety.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this action as teleconferencing mechanisms are already in place.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
This action supports equitable access to the Committee’s advisory processes by allowing flexible participation options for members. Teleconference flexibility reduces barriers to participation for advisory body members who travel from across Los Angeles County and may face challenges related to work schedules or other responsibilities. This item supports inclusive participation and the Committee's ongoing operations.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommendation supports strategic plan goal #5 to provide responsive, accountable, and trustworthy governance within the Metro organization by allowing the Committee to meet virtually.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Committee can choose not to adopt the relaxed rules that allow virtual meetings outside of “just cause” reasons; however, members would generally be required to participate in person, which may limit the Committee’s ability to accommodate members’ attendance. This could result in challenges in achieving or maintaining a quorum.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval, staff will implement the adopted meeting procedures and periodically reaffirm the Metro Board’s authorization for the continued use of the relaxed procedures.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - SB 707 (Durazo)
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Drew Allen, Chief Administrative Analyst, (213) 922-5473
Monica Del Toro, Senior Manager, Audit, (213) 922-7494
Kimberly L. Houston, Deputy Chief Auditor, (213) 922-4720
Reviewed_by
Reviewed by: Sharon Gookin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, (213) 418-3101
Collette Langston, Board Clerk, (213) 922-2837