Bill > S2043

This bill aims to modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing public bodies to enable remote participation by members for any meeting, with requirements for public access and transparency. State, county, and regional public bodies can adopt their own standards and guidelines for remote participation. 2. Authorizing select boards to delay annual elections by up to 64 days or postpone elections during emergencies, with provisions for absentee and early voting. 3. Enabling town moderators or select boards to call for town meetings to be held through remote or hybrid (in-person and remote) participation, with detailed requirements for the video/teleconference platform to ensure eligible voter participation and transparency. The bill also defines "Select Board" to have the same meaning as "Board of Selectmen" and requires the Attorney General to develop best practices for remote participation of public bodies within 90 days of the law's effective date.