Adopted and signed into law earlier this month, Assembly Bill 361 ("AB 361") amended the Ralph M. Brown Act to authorize modified procedures for remote (teleconference) meetings held during a state of emergency and when state or local officials impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing.  See Gov. Code § 54953(e).  These new rules supersede and replace similar rules in the Governor’s Executive Order No. N-29-20, which the Board of Supervisors has been adhering to since its adoption at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In order to utilize these modified procedures, the Brown Act requires the Board of Supervisors to find, by a majority vote, that it has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency, and (i) the state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person and/or (ii) state or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing.  The findings must be made no later than 30 days after using the modified procedures, and every 30 days thereafter. 

Adoption of the attached resolution (Attachment A) will authorize implementation of AB 361 for future Board of Supervisors' meetings occurring after September 30 (the sunset date for EO N-29-20).  Attachment B to this staff report is a short memorandum from the County Public Health Officer, Dr. Sisson, that sets forth her current recommendations relating to public meetings.