Bill > H2272

This bill authorizes the town of Wayland to hold annual and special town meetings in a flexible format that allows for remote or hybrid participation, which means voters can attend either in-person or virtually. Specifically, the bill permits town meetings to be conducted with participants located in a common physical location, fully remotely, or partially remotely (hybrid). The bill requires that any remote or hybrid town meeting be recorded and the recording must be posted on the town's website for at least 30 days after the meeting, and the recording will become a permanent town record that can be requested by the public. Additionally, the bill ensures that all actions and decisions made during these remote or hybrid town meetings are legally valid and have the same standing as meetings conducted entirely in person. The legislation overrides existing general laws and charter provisions that might otherwise restrict remote meeting formats, and it will take effect immediately upon passage. This bill provides Wayland with increased flexibility in conducting local democratic processes, particularly important in an era where remote participation has become more common and valued.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2272