Bill > H3328

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law to allow statewide public bodies whose members are appointed to conduct meetings through remote participation. Specifically, the bill enables members to participate virtually in meetings, count as present for quorum purposes, and vote remotely. The bill mandates that during remote meetings, all participants must be clearly audible to each other and identify themselves. Public bodies must provide meaningful public access to these virtual meetings through alternative technological means like telephone, internet, or video conferencing, ensuring transparency and allowing the public to follow proceedings in real-time. These alternative access methods must be free of charge. The bill requires that documents used in remote meetings be made available to the public before or during the meeting, and any proceedings that typically allow public participation must continue to do so in the virtual format. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that these provisions do not apply to municipal bodies, limiting the scope to statewide appointed public bodies. By removing an existing subsection (d) from Chapter 30A and adding a new section (20A), the bill creates a clear legal framework for virtual meetings of statewide appointed public bodies.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3328