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H 3328

Exceptional needs children's tax credit

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Neal Collins

Authorizes remote participation for statewide bodies, letting members vote toward quorum, with real-time public access and meeting materials available.

Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 3328

Summary: H 3328 — An Act relative to virtual meetings of appointed statewide public bodies

What the bill does (purpose and scope)

  • The bill would authorize and govern remote participation for meetings of statewide public bodies whose members are appointed.
  • It amends Chapter 30A of the General Laws by repealing subsection (d) of Section 20 and adding a new Section 20A that formalizes remote participation rules.
  • Applies to statewide public bodies only; it does not apply to municipal bodies.

Key provisions

  • Remote participation allowed: A statewide public body may allow any member to participate remotely for any meeting. “Remote participation” means the member is not physically present at the meeting location.
  • Voting and attendance: Members participating remotely may vote and shall be considered present and in attendance for all purposes, including determining a quorum.
  • Audibility and identification: All participants (remote and in person) must be clearly audible to one another and must disclose the names of members and the public attendees.
  • Public access and transparency:
    • For meetings conducted remotely, the public body must ensure adequate alternative means for public access to the deliberations (e.g., telephone, internet, satellite video/audio conferencing, or other technology) so the public can follow the proceedings in real time.
    • Documents used for the meeting should be made available to the public before or at the meeting.
    • If active, real-time participation by the public is required by law, the alternative access must support that participation.
    • Public access options must be provided without subscription, toll, or other charges to the public.
  • Right to appear remotely: Any party entitled or required to appear before the public body may do so remotely, as if appearing in person.
  • Not municipal: The provisions do not apply to municipal bodies.

Who is affected

  • Appointed statewide public bodies (e.g., executive-branch or independent commissions with appointed members).
  • Public participants and stakeholders who may attend or observe remotely.
  • Individuals who may need to appear before such bodies (e.g., petitioners, advocates, or members of the public).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Status / hearings: Hearing scheduled for October 14, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room B-2.
  • Legislative actions to date:
    • Referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (Feb 27, 2025).
    • Senate concurrence noted in the 2024-2025 cycle (status entries show related activity).
  • Docket identifiers: House Docket No. 1126; House Bill No. 3328.
  • Related/precedent: Similar matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session as H 3671 (HD 1126 in the current docket serves as the replacement).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Enhances accessibility and transparency of statewide public bodies by enabling remote participation and remote public access.
  • Could affect meeting logistics, security, and technology requirements for public bodies.
  • May increase participation opportunities for state residents and stakeholders who cannot attend in person.
  • The bill’s technical requirements (audio/video quality, real-time participation by the public, document availability) may imply cost considerations for public bodies to implement or upgrade systems.

Notes

  • The text provided does not specify an effective date, so any effective date would depend on final passage and signing into law.

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

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