S 2143
An Act to permit enhanced public access to deliberations of public bodies and to permit improved efficiency of public bodies
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to increase transparency by allowing greater public access to discussions and decisions made by public bodies in Massachusetts. It also seeks to improve the efficiency of these bodies, potentially streamlining their operations. The legislation intends to balance public accountability with the practical needs of government agencies.
Key provisions
- Allows recording of public meetings by the public.
- Requires public bodies to post meeting agendas and minutes online.
- Establishes procedures for requesting and obtaining access to deliberations.
- Promotes the use of technology to improve efficiency.
- Addresses potential conflicts between public access and privacy concerns.
- Requires public bodies to adopt best practices for efficiency.
- Provides for a process for public bodies to request guidance on implementing the provisions of the bill.
- Mandates regular reporting on the implementation of efficiency improvements.
Who is affected
- Public bodies in Massachusetts
- Members of the public
- State government agencies
- Massachusetts residents
- Legislators
Notable changes
- Expands the current rules regarding public access to public meetings.
- Introduces requirements for online posting of meeting materials.
- Encourages the use of technology to improve government operations.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Paul R. Feeney
Cosponsor
Paul R. Feeney
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.2143 194th (Current)
An Act to permit enhanced public access to deliberations of public bodies and to permit improved efficiency of public bodies
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2143) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to permit enhanced public access to deliberations of public bodies and to permit improved efficiency of public bodies. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Paul R. Feeney Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill S.2143
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 10/6/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/14/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2 |
| 10/6/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/14/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2 |
| 12/24/2025 | Senate | Reporting date extended to Saturday January 31, 2026 |
| 2/9/2026 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
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