H 4771 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to modernize participation in public meetings

This bill updates Massachusetts open meeting laws to require public bodies to allow remote access and participation via internet or video technology. It mandates that all meetings be physically open and remotely accessible, with notices posted online at least 48 hours in advance and recordings made available within ten days for state-level meetings. The legislation also establishes rules for how remote participants vote and count toward quorums, while requiring public bodies to provide free, accessible remote access with captioning and accommodations for people with disabilities. Additionally, the bill clarifies procedures for recording meetings, managing disruptions, and ensures that public officials certify they have received training on open meeting laws.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jun 24, 2024 Last action Jun 24, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jun 24, 2024
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jun 24, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
lower
0 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.