Advisory Board: Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee
Subject: 6. REVIEW Brown Act revisions and DISCUSS updated training requirements for members of advisory bodies.
Presenter: Wade Finlinson
Contact: 925.655.3214
Information:
State law now requires that a copy of the Brown Act is distributed to all members of boards and commissions subject to the Brown Act. Two changes to Brown Act rules became effective on January 1, 2026. Additionally, County policy requires that members of advisory bodies receive training on the Brown Act, Better Government Ordinance, ethics, and implicit bias.
Referral History and Update:
Individual IPM Advisory Committee members were emailed a digital copy of the Brown Act on January 8, 2026. The current version is available at the following link: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapter=9.&article=>
The two recent changes involve alternative remote teleconference meeting procedures and the allowance of members of legislative bodies to participate remotely as a reasonable accommodation for a disability. The update to alternative remote teleconferencing rules added new reasons for a remote appearance under “just cause” provisions. The three areas previously deemed as “emergency circumstances” were added to the list of “just cause” reasons. Excerpts from the Brown Act detailing traditional teleconferencing provisions, reasonable accommodation for remote participation, and alternative remote teleconferencing rules are provided in attachment 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 in this agenda packet.
The IPM Coordinator should be notified as early as possible including at the start of a meeting to request a remote appearance under “just cause.” The Clerk of the Board must be contacted to coordinate reasonable accommodations for remote participation. Members wishing to attend remotely in accordance with traditional teleconferencing must work with the IPM Coordinator far enough in advance to ensure compliance with all requirements including the posting of the meeting agenda at the remote location at least 96 hours before the meeting.
On June 10, 2025, the Board of Supervisors revised training requirements for appointees and staff to County advisory bodies. Details are included in attachment 6.2. IPMAC members are now required to complete the following three trainings every two years: Brown Act/Better Government Ordinance, Ethics Training, and Implicit Bias Training as described on attachment 6.3. Previously, IPMAC members were required to complete the trainings within the first three months of appointment without any renewal requirements.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Staff recommends reviewing materials associated with this item and discussing as appropriate.