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HD 965

An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to allow remote participation at town meetings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Ciccolo and 1 co-sponsor

HD 965: An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to allow remote participation at town meetings OverviewBill Number: HD 965 Title: An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to allo

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Bill Summary · HD 965

HD 965: An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to allow remote participation at town meetings

Overview

Bill Number: HD 965
Title: An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to allow remote participation at town meetings
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of this bill is to authorize the town of Lexington to allow residents to participate remotely in town meetings. Currently, Lexington requires in-person attendance at town meetings, which can pose challenges for some residents. This bill aims to increase accessibility and civic engagement by enabling remote participation options.

Key Provisions

  • Allows the town of Lexington to adopt bylaws or regulations to permit remote participation in town meetings
  • Specifies that remote participants must be able to hear the proceedings and be heard (e.g. through videoconferencing or telephone)
  • Requires remote participants to be counted for the purpose of establishing a quorum
  • Grants remote participants the same rights and responsibilities as in-person attendees, including the ability to vote
  • Allows the town to set reasonable guidelines and procedures for remote participation, such as registration, identification, and security measures

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Lexington residents: This bill would make town meetings more accessible, allowing those who cannot physically attend (e.g. due to disability, illness, work/family commitments, or transportation challenges) to still participate remotely.
  • Town of Lexington: The town would need to develop and implement the necessary technological infrastructure and administrative processes to facilitate remote participation. This could require additional resources and staff time.
  • Local democracy and civic engagement: Enabling remote participation may increase resident involvement in town affairs and decision-making, strengthening local democracy.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been introduced in the state legislature and is currently under consideration. If passed, the town of Lexington would then need to adopt the necessary bylaws or regulations to implement the remote participation provisions. The timeline for this process would depend on the legislative schedule and the town's administrative capacity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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