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H 2318

An Act providing for municipal meeting postponement due to inclement weather

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tram Nguyen

Allows elected municipal boards to pause a public hearing for weather emergencies and continue it later with clear notice and feasible rescheduling.

Accompanied a study order, see H4776
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Bill Summary · H 2318

Summary of House Bill H.2318: An Act providing for municipal meeting postponement due to inclement weather

Overview

  • Bill number: H.2318
  • Title: An Act providing for municipal meeting postponement due to inclement weather
  • Purpose: Allow municipalities to postpone public hearings due to weather-related emergencies and to structure how such recesses and continuances are announced, noticed, and rescheduled.
  • Introduction date: February 27, 2025
  • Status: Accompanied by a study order (H.4776) and referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government; Senate concurrence noted; related to a prior similar measure (H.2091 in 2023-2024)
  • Applicable to: Cities or towns that opt into the new provisions (through the process referenced in chapter 4, section 4)

Key Provisions

  • New authority: Adds a new Section 134 to Chapter 41 that allows the chair of a municipal board (e.g., planning board, board of appeals) to determine that a public hearing may be postponed due to a weather-related emergency.
  • Consultation: The chair must consult with local public safety officials before declaring a recess and continuance.
  • Continuance mechanism: Upon declaration, the chair can recess and continue the hearing to a specified time, date, and place. If a new time/place cannot be identified immediately, the chair may continue the hearing and must pick the time/place within 3 days.
  • Facility considerations: If no suitable municipal facility is available, the chair may move the hearing to a suitable location in a contiguous municipality.
  • Announcement and accessibility: The chair may announce the recess and continuance without attending the hearing location. The notice must be prepared in a clear format, include the continued date/time/place, reason for the recess, and the declaration timing. If the location is not identified in the initial notice, an amended notice must be issued within 3 days.
  • Notices and posting: Notices must be filed with the municipal clerk, posted at the main entrance of the hearing location, and circulated through electronic, broadcast, or print media as practicable. Municipal websites must post the notices if one exists.
  • Accepting jurisdictions: The section applies only to municipalities that elect to accept it under the specified statutory procedure.

Scope and Local Acceptance

  • Optional for municipalities: Only cities/towns that have elected to accept the provisions can use them.
  • Governance scope: Applies to public hearings of municipal boards (including but not limited to planning boards and boards of appeals).

Notice and Communication Requirements

  • Notice content: Date, time, and place of the continued meeting; reason for the declaration; timing of the recess and continuance.
  • Amended notice: If the continuation details are not identified at first, an amended notice must be issued within 3 days.
  • Public posting: Notices must be posted at municipal offices and, where practicable, at the main entrance of the hearing location.
  • Media and online: Use of electronic, broadcast, print media; municipalities with websites must post notices there.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Municipal boards and hearings: Planning boards, boards of appeals, and other boards conducting public hearings.
  • Public participants: Residents and stakeholders who seek hearings will have a defined process for postponed dates and locations.
  • Local governments: Cities/towns choosing to adopt the provisions gain a formal mechanism to handle weather-related disruptions and ensure continued hearings.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Declaration timeline: The chair should announce recess and continuance as far in advance as practicable.
  • Scheduling window: If immediate time/place is not identified, continued scheduling must occur within 3 days of the declaration.
  • Location flexibility: Hearing may be moved to a contiguous municipality if no suitable local facility is available.
  • Documentation: Clear, legible notices with timing and reasons; amended notices as needed.

Legislative Actions and Status

  • 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government; Senate concurred.
  • 2025-06-17: Hearing scheduled (06/24/2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, B-1).
  • 2025-11-24: Accompanied a study order (H.4776).

Notes

  • This bill builds on a similar measure previously filed (2023-2024, H.2091).
  • The clause requiring acceptance by a municipality means the practical effect depends on local adoption procedures.

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

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