Today, the legislature passed legislation to extend the option for cities and towns to offer remote participation in public meetings through June 2027. The current authorization was set to expire on March 31.
The legislature originally authorized remote participation in public meetings at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing both members of the public and members of public bodies to participate remotely in meetings. The continuing authorization covers both hybrid and fully remote meetings for bodies such as Select Boards, School Committees, City Councils and other municipal boards, commissions or committees.
Today’s legislation also extends permission for remote or hybrid representative town meetings and removes language tying the authorization to COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Under the bill, town moderators can now request local authorization for remote or hybrid town meetings from their Select Board for any reason.
The bill is now on the governor’s desk awaiting her signature. A joint House-Senate press release appears below.
Legislature Extends Hybrid Public Meeting Law to 2027, Expanding Access to Local Government
Remote civic engagement option available to cities and towns through June 2027
(BOSTON—3/20/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to extend the hybrid public meeting option, allowing cities and towns to offer remote participation through June 2027. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings.
Hybrid meetings enable more civic participation by residents who otherwise might have limited access to public meetings.
“I have heard loud and clear from my colleagues, and the communities we represent, that hybrid meetings have increased access, engagement, and transparency in local government,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “There is no reason that a family obligation, a car breakdown, a disability, or any other life circumstance should get in the way of making your voice heard on an issue you care about in your community. I’m glad that we took action today to keep this tool in our civic engagement toolkit, and thankful to our partners in the House for their collaboration.”
“One of the lessons we learned from the pandemic was that using technology for public meetings expands access and civic participation across government,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “With this extension, we are removing barriers to participation and residents will continue to be able to be active participants in governmental decisions remotely. I thank my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for their collaboration.”
The Massachusetts Municipal Association estimates that there are over 10,000 boards, committees, and commissions across Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. Most officials serving on the panels do so on a volunteer basis.
Having passed both branches of the Legislature, the bill will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.
But I did attend the town hall, virtually, and had no voice. No format to ask questions ..So virtual meetings means this?
In a strange way, it’s sort of like the Mass. legislature’s “informal sessions” where it passes important legislation with only a couple of people present – contrary to the Mass. Constitution which requires a quorum.
“Informal sessions” are for the leaders to ram thru bills and for legislators too lazy to show up in person and do their jobs.
Remind you of anyone, Will?
I would love to listen to a town hall or anything that is happening, however get so many emails that I miss important ones like yours