The Brown Act - Actually, Very Black & White

     The Brown Act applies to every level of government, especially elected members of city councils, school boards and other public districts (such as water or library districts).  It is also extends to commissions or other bodies created to advise them, such as planning commissions or parks and recreation commission.

     The Act does not prohibit public meetings such as town halls or attending professional conferences or community events.

     If, for instance, a Town Hall is going to follow an agenda, that agenda must be posted at least 72 hours in advance.  If it is an open forum, not such publication is required.

     A primary principal of the Brown Act requires that the meetings must be open and public.  The public cannot be charged to attend the meeting, and attendees do not need to pre-register (with a few exceptions) and are not required to sign-in. 

     The few exceptions to pre-registration are to provide for meals or baby sitters, or similar activities to accommodate attendees.

     The public may use cameras or recording devices to document meetings, and a written record (minutes) of the meeting is publicized within a reasonable time after the meeting is concluded.

     Town Hall meetings are an excellent way for citizens to interact with City Council or commissions.  While the City allows individuals to address the City Council, it is a monologue.  A dialogue, such as is possible in Town Hall meetings is far pr