An Act updating the Open Meeting Law to support remote participation
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to update Massachusetts’ Open Meeting Law to allow for remote participation in public meetings. Currently, the law primarily focuses on in-person attendance, but this legislation seeks to expand access by enabling remote participation for those who cannot physically be present. The goal is to increase transparency and ensure broader public engagement with state government proceedings. It builds upon previous attempts to modernize the Open Meeting Law regarding remote access.
Key provisions
- Allows remote participation in public meetings.
- Specifies technical requirements for remote access.
- Addresses security measures to protect meeting information.
- Defines acceptable methods of remote participation (e.g., video conferencing).
- Establishes guidelines for ensuring equal access for all participants.
- Requires public notice of remote participation options.
- Clarifies responsibilities of meeting officials regarding remote participation.
- Addresses potential challenges related to remote participation, such as internet connectivity.
Who is affected
- Members of the public
- State government agencies
- State legislative committees
- Massachusetts residents
- Individuals seeking to attend public meetings
Notable changes
- Expands the existing Open Meeting Law to accommodate remote participation.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Rebecca L. Rausch
Cosponsor
Rebecca L. Rausch
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours