CA SB475

Amends Government Code Section 54953 to allow health authorities to count members outside their jurisdiction toward a quorum during teleconference meetings if at least 50% of the quorum is present within the jurisdiction and a public call-in number is provided.

Applies only to health authorities created under specified sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code, joint powers authorities for health contracting, and health plan advisory committees with 12 or more members.

Requires that teleconference numbers and access codes be identified in the meeting notice and agenda, and prohibits the provision from discouraging in-person or local teleconference meetings.

Sunset provision terminates this exception on January 1, 2018.

Includes legislative findings that the limitation on public meeting access protects California's local health initiatives and addresses the difficulty these diverse, geographically dispersed boards have in achieving in-jurisdiction quorums.