Press Release: 3/31/2025
Governor Healey Extends Hybrid and Remote Public Meetings to Increase Access
Legislation will increase access to public meetings across Massachusetts and allow remote participation through June 2027
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
3/28/2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Karissa Hand, Press Secretary
Phone
Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025
BOSTON — Today, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. This legislation will permit state and local public bodies to conduct public meetings in a hybrid or remote format while also allowing participants at town meetings to participate remotely.
“This law allows everyone, no matter where they are in our state, to engage in important discussions that affect their lives and makes it easier for everyone to have their voices heard in our government,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We don’t want anyone to be held back from attending public meetings because they don’t have a ride or child care or because they have a disability. We're grateful for the partnership of the Legislature and local officials as we work together to increase access to participating in our democracy.”
“As a former Mayor, I’ve seen firsthand how local government works better when we have strong public participation,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Lowering barriers for people to get involved in public meetings will help ensure that local services meet the needs of the community while also inspiring new ideas and making sure people get their questions answered.”
“One of the lessons we learned from the pandemic was that using technology for public meetings expands access and civic participation across government,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “With this extension, we are removing barriers to participation and residents will continue to be able to be active participants in governmental decisions remotely.”
“I have heard loud and clear from my colleagues, and the communities we represent, that hybrid meetings have increased access, engagement, and transparency in local government,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “There is no reason that a family obligation, a car breakdown, a disability, or any other life circumstance should get in the way of making your voice heard on an issue you care about in your community. I’m glad that we are taking action to keep this tool in our civic engagement toolkit, and I'm grateful to the Governor for her signature and to our partners in the House for their collaboration.”
“I’m pleased to see this commonsense measure to extend authorization for certain remote meeting provisions signed into law by the Governor. This provision, now available through June 30, 2027, was first adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent state of emergency. We now enable public bodies and town meetings to continue offering remote and hybrid access to public meetings. This remote option has substantially increased resident participation and engagement in local government and has made it easier for public bodies to manage their meetings with both equity and transparency. Thank you to Governor Healey, as it’s been clear from municipalities across the Commonwealth that they want to continue to offer this expanded access,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Earlier this year, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll proposed the Municipal Empowerment Act, which would make hybrid and remote access to public meetings permanent.
Statements of Support:
Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director, Massachusetts Municipal Association:
“The MMA and local leaders across the state greatly appreciate the House and Senate’s quick action — and the governor’s support — to enact and sign a bill continuing these essential and effective public meeting options. These allowances are critical for conducting the business of municipal government in the 21st century. Over the past five years, they have increased transparency and accountability and boosted public participation and confidence.”
Marc Draisen, Executive Director, Metropolitan Area Planning Council:
Today we thank the Governor and Legislature for extending provisions that allow for flexibility around remote access to public meetings in Massachusetts. This is a huge win for civic engagement, and we hope to see the opportunity to choose hybrid tools become a permanent feature of open, accessible government."