H.501 is a bill introduced by Representative Boutin of Barre City that aims to amend the Open Meeting Law by establishing a specific deadline for public bodies to respond to notices of alleged violations. The proposed legislation mandates that public bodies must provide a response within 20 business days or at their next regular meeting, whichever occurs first. This change is intended to enhance accountability and ensure timely communication regarding compliance with the Open Meeting Law.

The bill does not include any specific insertions or deletions from current law, but it emphasizes the importance of prompt responses from public bodies to maintain transparency and uphold the principles of open governance. By setting a clear timeframe for responses, the bill seeks to improve the enforcement of the Open Meeting Law and protect the public's right to information.