Bill > H3299

This bill modernizes participation in public meetings by updating Massachusetts' open meeting laws to enhance transparency, accessibility, and public engagement. The bill defines "remote access" and "remote participation" as methods for attending and participating in meetings through internet or video technology. It mandates that all public bodies (including local, regional, state, and county entities) must provide remote access to their meetings without charge and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, including captioning. The bill requires public bodies to post meeting notices at least 48 hours in advance on their websites, with specific filing requirements for different types of public bodies. Additionally, the bill stipulates that public bodies must have a minimum number of members physically present during meetings, allows remote participation and voting, and requires video recording of state public body meetings. The legislation also strengthens recordkeeping requirements, mandating that detailed minutes be created within 30 days and made publicly available within 10 business days, either through direct provision or website posting. Furthermore, the bill introduces potential civil penalties of up to $200 for individual public body members who knowingly violate open meeting laws, and provides the Attorney General with more enforcement options, such as issuing education letters or reprimands. These changes aim to increase government transparency and make public meetings more accessible to citizens.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3299