Bill > S2195

This bill modifies Section 21 of Chapter 30A of the Massachusetts General Laws to provide clearer guidelines for conducting executive sessions (closed meetings) during hiring processes. Specifically, the bill allows a public body to hold an executive session to consider or interview job applicants if the chair determines that an open meeting would negatively impact the ability to attract qualified candidates. The key change is that this executive session provision now explicitly applies to preliminary screening committees, with the important caveat that it cannot be used for interviewing applicants who have already passed an initial screening. The bill also clarifies that all members of municipal governing bodies like school committees, city councils, town councils, select boards, and boards of aldermen can participate in these preliminary screening executive sessions. This modification aims to provide more flexibility for public bodies in their initial stages of recruitment while maintaining transparency in the hiring process.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2195