D. How can a participant assert rights to comment?

Under both Acts, the body must give members of the public an opportunity to comment before or during the body's discussion or consideration of the agenda item. Cal. Gov't Code §§ 11125.7(a) (Bagley-Keene Act); 54954.3(a) (Brown Act). Under the Brown Act, the public must be given an opportunity to comment on any matter within the subject matter jurisdiction of the body, in addition to agenda items. Presumably, the body will invite public comment at the appropriate time, but if not, the participant could probably interrupt the meeting and request an opportunity to speak on the particular item, or on any matter within the subject matter of the legislative body.