Remote civic engagement option available to cities and towns through June 2027

(BOSTON—3/26/2025) Recently, 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.

“Extending hybrid public meeting laws to 2027 is a step in the right direction — toward more accessibility and transparency in government. However, this legislation does not go far enough. We must ensure that every public body guarantees an opportunity for public comment as well as standards of conduct for bodies managing remote or hybrid meetings,” said Senator Nick Collins. He went further to say that “the public shouldn’t have to fight for their voice to be heard. Our work requires active participation; we owe it to our constituents to make the ability to participate a reality.”

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.