REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Review, Discussion and Potential Action to Adopt Council Policy 7.3.33 Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During City Council Meetings
Report
BACKGROUND
The California Legislature enacted Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) in 2025, amending the Ralph M. Brown Act to require local legislative bodies, including the Sunnyvale City Council, to provide two-way remote public access to meetings and to adopt formal policies addressing disruptions of telephonic or internet services during meetings. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026, and require adoption of a policy at a public hearing prior to that date.
The City of Sunnyvale currently conducts hybrid City Council meetings, allowing both in-person and two-way remote public participation, consistent with SB 707 requirements. To comply with state law, the City must formalize procedures for responding to disruptions in two-way remote public access.
Due to scheduling constraints and the requirement to adopt the policy at a public hearing before July 1, 2026, this item is being brought directly to the full City Council rather than through the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Council Policy Review and Updates.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Strategic Goal - Responsive Government
Council Policy 7.3.1, Legislative Management - Goals and Policies
* Goal 7.3B Assure that City policy is established, documented and enacted according to established procedures and legal principles.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
Proposed Council Policy 7.3.33 Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During City Council Meetings establishes a framework for responding to a disruption in telephon...
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