Bill > H729

This bill aims to preserve local decision-making during short-term emergencies by authorizing cities and towns to postpone town meetings for up to 14 calendar days, with the approval of the moderator. In the event of an emergency expected to last more than 14 days, the bill allows towns to request approval from the Attorney General's office to hold town meetings and public meetings/hearings according to the rules established in Section 20 of Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021. All actions taken under these provisions are ratified, validated, and confirmed to the same extent as if the meetings had been conducted in accordance with all other applicable laws, charter provisions, ordinances, and by-laws.