Madera County and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California have settled a lawsuit regarding the Brown Act, California’s open meeting law.

“The ACLU commends the Madera County Board of Supervisors for entering into a settlement ,” said Angelica Salceda, ACLU staff attorney. “And for its commitment to comply with the Brown Act to ensure transparency in its board meetings.”

The suit was filed last July by the ACLU after Madera County allegedly violated the Brown Act during a closed session item at a Board of Supervisors’ meeting on March 7. The lawsuit was prompted in part by statements Madera County District Attorney David A. Linn made to local media outlets and in a press release asserting the Board had taken action to expand the jail’s coordination with federal immigration authorities.

The lawsuit claimed that the Board violated the open meetings requirements of the Brown Act by taking an action impacting the jail’s cooperation with immigration enforcement behind closed doors. The County maintains that the statements by Linn were inaccurate and unauthorized, that no action was taken by the board in closed session and no Brown Act violation occurred.

Ultimately, the ACLU and Madera County decided to resolve the matter and enter into a settlement agreement.