7:57 pm
All Time 1868014
1195 @ 8 pm
The Open Meeting Law needs to be updated to permanently enable members of the public to access public meetings remotely, in addition to the option of attending in person.
Under the pandemic, when Governor Baker issued an executive order requiring public bodies to temporarily provide remote access to open meetings, this led to a dramatic increase in public participation because it removed invisible barriers to access that, for many people, predated the pandemic. Many seniors, people with disabilities, and residents with work or family obligations could never afford to spend hours at municipal buildings. With remote access, anyone can be active in civic life without having to overcome unnecessary obstacles.
Now that we've seen the benefits of remote access, we should never go back. While many of us will soon be able to attend meetings in person once again, others will be shut out unless remote access is made permanent. This bill would make the central principle of the governor's executive order permanent, requiring public bodies to offer members of the public remote access to their meetings from now on.
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