The bill amends Chapter 42-46 of the General Laws, titled "Open Meetings," by adding a new section, 42-46-15, which mandates that all public bodies develop a translation assistance plan. This plan must outline the necessary steps to ensure that the proceedings of open meetings are accessible to individuals in a language they understand, upon request. The public bodies are required to implement this plan by September 1, 2026.
The purpose of this legislation is to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in public meetings by providing translation services. The act will take effect immediately upon passage, ensuring that public bodies begin to prepare for the implementation of these services in a timely manner.