SB 707 is now fully in effect. But revisions could arrive soon

Jul 8, 2026

Lawmakers are considering changes to certain language-access requirements.

Lawmakers are advancing changes to SB 707 (Durazo, 2025), one of the most significant updates to the Ralph M. Brown Act in recent years. The measure, which modifies SB 707’s strict language requirements, could become law as early as August. Cal Cities supports the potential modifications.

What does SB 707 do?

Cal Cities and other stakeholders have consistently raised concerns about the operational, fiscal, and legal challenges created by SB 707. Many of the law’s changes apply broadly to local agencies. However, several provisions apply only to a category of local governing bodies created by the law known as “eligible legislative bodies.”

For cities, eligible legislative bodies generally include city councils in cities with populations of 30,000 or more, as well as city councils located within counties with populations exceeding 600,000. The law also applies to county boards of supervisors and certain special districts that meet specified criteria.

SB 707 revised dozens of local government meeting requirements. Among other changes, it established new remote public participation, internet service disruptions, public outreach, website accessibility, agenda translations, and language access requirements.

Some provisions became operative on Jan. 1, 2026; others became operative on July 1, 2026. For a full overview of SB 707 and its major impacts to local agencies, read Cal Cities’ previous coverage.

What could change?

This year’s SB 1187 (Durazo) modifies several of SB 707’s language-access requirements applicable to eligible legislative bodies. According to the author, the bill is an attempt to respond to implementation concerns raised by local agencies and other stakeholders. The language-access requirements impose significant administrative and fiscal burdens on local agencies, without any state funding to offset those expenses.

SB 1187 would not affect a local agency’s ability to voluntarily provide translation, interpretation, or other language-access services beyond what is required by law. Instead, it repeals an unfunded mandate enacted by SB 707. The measure still preserves the Brown Act’s core transparency, public notice, and open-meeting requirements, while reducing unnecessary fiscal and operational burdens.

Cal Cities supports SB 1187, alongside the California State Association of Counties, Urban Counties of California, Rural County Representatives of California, and the California Municipal Clerks Association.

What happens next?

SB 1187 passed the Assembly Local Government Committee on a unanimous 10-0 vote and is moving through the legislative process. The bill includes an urgency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.

The Legislature is currently on summer recess and will not reconvene until Aug. 3. Cities subject to SB 707’s language requirements should monitor the bill’s progress when lawmakers return for the final weeks of the 2026 legislative session.

For guidance on complying with SB 707, please consult with your city attorney.