(BOSTON 3/26/2025) — Last week, 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 and has proven popular in the cities and towns within the Second Worcester District. Responding to feedback from constituents about the law’s upcoming March 31st expiration, Senator Michael Moore had introduced an amendment to the recently passed supplemental budget to extend the law, though it was not ultimately included in the bill that was signed into law.

“Hybrid meetings allow more people to participate in our public processes – something that we should strive for in a representative democracy,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Busy parents, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens with mobility challenges, and so many others will continue to be able to more easily weigh in on the issues that affect them in their governments thanks to this move. I’m thrilled that we are extending this law through 2027, and I am hopeful that we can make it permanent as we continue to look for ways to remove barriers to civic engagement.”

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.

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