Bill > H2318

This bill provides a mechanism for municipal board chairs to postpone public hearings due to weather-related emergencies. Specifically, in cities and towns that choose to adopt this provision, the chair of a municipal board (such as a planning board or board of appeals) can declare a recess and continuation of a public hearing if inclement weather makes it unsafe or impractical to proceed. The chair must first consult with local public safety officials and then select a new date, time, and place for the hearing. If an exact new time cannot be immediately determined, the chair has 3 days to specify the details. If no suitable municipal facility is available, the hearing may be moved to a facility in a neighboring municipality. The board chair must provide public notice of the postponement, including details about the original and new hearing times, through multiple channels such as posting in the municipal building, filing with the municipal clerk, and (if available) on the municipal website. The goal is to provide flexibility for municipal boards during emergencies while ensuring transparency and public access to information about meeting changes.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2318