The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 42-46, specifically Sections 42-46-5 and 42-46-6, which govern open meetings. It expands the circumstances under which a public body may hold a closed meeting to include discussions about an individual's job performance, character, or health, with the stipulation that the individual is notified in advance. Other valid reasons for closed meetings include collective bargaining, litigation, security matters, allegations of misconduct, real estate transactions, business or industry prospects, public fund investments, student disciplinary issues, grievance hearings, and discussions of a prospective donor's finances to a library. The bill also introduces new language that allows for remote participation in open public meetings for certain public bodies, with conditions to ensure public access and participation, and sets forth requirements for public bodies to accommodate remote attendance and participation by the public.

The bill further details the procedures for electronic communication and remote participation, including the use of videoconferencing technology. It requires that public meetings be accessible for remote attendance, that meeting notices include instructions for remote participation, and that all documents for discussion be available with the meeting notice. Members participating remotely must be counted for quorum and voting, must identify themselves, and must be able to interact with the meeting as if they were present. Votes must be taken by roll call and be visible and audible to the public. If a quorum is at the same remote location, the public must be allowed to attend there. The bill mandates that meetings be recorded and the recordings made available online within 24 hours, with a retention period of at least five years. It also outlines the notice requirements for regular and emergency meetings, and specifies conditions for school committees to add items to the agenda. The bill would take effect upon passage.