S 2206 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act promoting governmental efficiency

This bill amends Massachusetts' open meeting law to streamline complaint procedures for public bodies (like city councils or school committees). It requires individuals filing complaints about meeting violations to include specific details, contact information, and a signature within 20 business days of the alleged violation. Public bodies must respond to complaints within 14 business days, though they may request relief from responding if a complainant files over 12 complaints against them in a year or if the complaint is deemed unduly burdensome. The Attorney General can review disputes over complaint handling and may grant extensions for remedial action. The changes aim to balance accountability with administrative efficiency for public bodies.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Feb 9, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Feb 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors