Bill > S2129

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law to provide comprehensive guidelines for remote and hybrid public meetings and town meetings. The legislation allows public bodies to conduct meetings remotely or in a hybrid format, ensuring that all participants can hear each other clearly and that the public has adequate access to the proceedings. For public body meetings, the bill requires that remote participation be structured so that all members can vote, and the public can follow proceedings in real-time through alternative means of access. For town meetings specifically, the bill establishes a process where a town moderator can request a remote or hybrid meeting, subject to approval by the select board, with specific technological requirements to ensure transparency and accessibility. The bill mandates that such meetings must be recorded and made publicly available, and provides detailed guidelines about voter participation, voting procedures, and notification requirements. Additionally, the bill requires that within two weeks of taking office, all public body members must certify their understanding of open meeting law, and directs the attorney general to develop standards and guidelines for remote participation. The overall aim of the bill is to modernize public meeting procedures, especially in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing flexible options for municipal governance while maintaining principles of transparency and public access.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2129