The bill amends Chapter 42-46 of the General Laws, titled "Open Meetings," to enhance transparency and accessibility in public meetings. It introduces a new definition of "advisory body," which includes entities that provide advice without decision-making authority. Key provisions allow advisory bodies to conduct public meetings via videoconferencing, ensuring public participation without costs.

Effective January 1, 2027, all city and town councils and school boards are required to livestream their meetings, with specific requirements for public participation through videoconferencing set to take effect on January 1, 2028. The bill mandates that public bodies provide notice of meetings, including details on members participating via videoconferencing and instructions for public access.

Additionally, all documents discussed in open meetings must be posted or linked with the electronic agenda filed with the secretary of state. The bill requires public bodies to keep detailed minutes of meetings, including records of participation and voting, and ensures compliance with the Open Meetings Act for discussions via electronic communication.

To improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, public bodies must adopt procedures for requesting reasonable accommodations and provide information about these procedures on published agendas. The provisions of this act will take effect upon passage.