The Brown Act, originally a 686 word statutethat has grown substantially over the years, was enacted in response tomounting public concerns over informal, undisclosed meetings held bylocal elected officials. City councils, county boards, and other localgovernment bodies were avoiding public scrutiny by holding secret"workshops" and "study sessions." The Brown Act solely applies toCalifornia city and county government agencies, boards, and councils.The comparable Bagley-Keane Act mandates open meetings for State government agencies.