The bill aims to modernize participation in public meetings by amending various sections of Chapter 30A of the General Laws. Key changes include increasing the minimum number of members required for a public meeting from 25 to 26, and introducing provisions for remote access and participation through internet and video conferencing technologies. Public bodies are mandated to ensure that all meetings are physically open and remotely accessible, with specific requirements for posting meeting notices at least 48 hours in advance, and ensuring that remote access is available without any fees. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including captioning and reasonable accommodations.

Further amendments include stricter guidelines for the creation and availability of meeting minutes, requiring that minutes be made available within 10 business days and posted online. The bill also introduces penalties for violations of the open meeting law, including civil penalties for repeated offenses. A new section allows rural communities with populations under 10,000 to request hardship waivers for compliance with remote participation requirements. The bill repeals an existing section related to hardship waivers, indicating a shift towards more inclusive and accessible public meeting practices. The effective dates for various sections of the act are set for July 1, 2027, and July 1, 2030, for specific provisions.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 30A-18