An Act to update disability commission chair requirements

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis

Mass. local disability commissions may meet remotely without a physical quorum, but at least one commissioner must be physically present at the meeting location.

House concurred

Overview

SD 540 proposes a targeted update to the remote-participation rules governing local commissions on disability in Massachusetts. The bill amends the remote meeting requirements to ensure that, even when meetings are conducted with remote participation, there is still a physical presence requirement for at least one commissioner at the meeting location.

What the bill would do

Amend Subsection (e) of Section 20 of Chapter 30A (Massachusetts General Laws, as of 2022 edition).

Change the existing language to state: If a local commission on disability is authorized to utilize remote participation, a physical quorum of that commission’s members shall not be required to be present at the meeting location; provided, however, that at least one commissioner shall be physically present at the meeting location.

In effect, allows fully remote participation for a local disability commission’s meeting, but requires at least one commissioner to be physically present.

Key provisions

Applicability: Local commissions on disability that are authorized to use remote participation.

Quorum rule: Removes the requirement for a physical quorum when remote participation is authorized.

Physical presence safeguard: Mandates that at least one commissioner be physically present at the meeting location.

Who would be affected

Local commissions on disability in Massachusetts, including their chairs and members.

Individuals participating remotely in commission meetings (e.g., remote members, staff, and public participants) under the updated rules.

Administrative and regulatory oversight bodies that apply Chapter 30A meeting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced as Senate Bill No. 540 (Senate docket No. 540) on January 13, 2025.

Presented by Senator Jason M. Lewis (Fifth Middlesex).

Status: House concurred (as of February 27, 2025) and the bill was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on the same date.

Next steps (if any): The committee would review the bill and, if favorably reported, advance through further House and Senate actions toward enactment.

Potential impact

Practical: Eases compliance for disability commissions to meet via remote participation, which can enhance accessibility and participation, especially for members who cannot attend in person.

Accountability: Maintains local oversight by ensuring at least one commissioner is physically present, preserving a degree of in-person oversight.

Fiscal: No explicit fiscal impact is stated in the summary text; potential cost implications would depend on implementation details and local participation technology needs.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language brief for a general audience or a side-by-side comparison with the current law.

Bill