Remote civic engagement option expands access to local government 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 from both the leaders and the residents of the communities in the 4th Middlesex district about the benefits that remote and hybrid meetings have brought to local government,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “This action will not only increase the ability for residents to be civically engaged, but will also make participation easier for volunteer board members who have other commitments that may conflict with full, in person participation. Based on the track record of success this initiative has had, I hope that we will build consensus to make this measure permanent in the Commonwealth and give local governments the flexibility to hold meetings in a manner that best fits its members’ needs.”
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.
###