BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Consider the May 19, 2026, Board Policy and Monitoring Committee Recommendation to Approve the Technology Disruption Policy for Board Meetings.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Consider the May 19, 2026, Board Policy and Monitoring Committee Recommendation to Approve a new policy GP-12.4, Technology Disruption Policy for Board Meetings.
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SUMMARY:
At the May 19, 2026 Board Policy and Monitoring Committee, the committee reviewed draft GP-12.4, Technology Disruption Policy, and recommended the policy for board approval.
Senate Bill 707 (2025) amended the Brown Act to require “eligible legislative bodies” (as defined in the Bill) to adopt, on or before July 1, 2026, a policy addressing how they will respond to disruptions (any failure or outage) in telephonic or internet service that prevent members of the public from attending or observing a board meeting remotely. Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) qualifies as an “eligible legislative body” pursuant to this Bill. This draft policy is proposed to comply with that requirement and to ensure continuity of public participation during technical disruptions.
This policy establishes procedures for responding to a disruption in the telephonic or internet services that provide two-way remote public access to meetings of the Valley Water Board of Directors as required by the Brown Act (Gov. Code § 54953.4). The policy ensures transparency, public participation, and continuity of government during technology disruptions.
This policy applies to all open and public meetings of the Valley Water Board of Directors at which remote public participation is offered or required under the Brown Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
The Technology Disruption Policy is not subject to environmental justice analysis.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have a potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Draft GP-12.4
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Candice Kwok-Smith, 408-630-3193