The Brown Act governs open meetings for local government bodies in California. It requires that legislative bodies conduct their business in public and provide notice and access to their meetings. Meetings include gatherings where a majority of members discuss agency business. Exceptions exist for individual contacts and social gatherings not discussing business. The Brown Act sets rules for regular, special, emergency and adjourned meetings including agendas, public comment periods, and teleconferencing. It aims to ensure transparency and prevent backdoor deal-making. Violations can result in civil lawsuits, criminal charges or invalidation of actions.