A group of advocates for open government, democracy, and disability rights voiced serious concerns about the Municipal Empowerment Act, a bill filed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. They believe the proposal could make it harder for people to attend local government meetings by removing rules that require both in-person and online access.
The New England First Amendment Coalition, ACLU of Massachusetts, Boston Center for Independent Living, Disability Law Center, Common Cause Massachusetts, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association, MASSPIRG, and New England Newspaper & Press Association released a statement criticizing the bill.
The organizations said that if cities and towns are only encouraged, but not required, to offer online access, many people could be shut out. This includes individuals with disabilities, older adults, people without transportation, and those who can’t attend in person for other reasons.
“This is a core principle of a democratic process, and for disabled people and others, a fundamental civil rights issue,” stated the organizations.
The current law is designed to make sure public meetings are easy to attend, whether someone shows up in person or joins online. Supporters of open access point out that the Massachusetts House of Representatives has already passed a plan to require hybrid meetings, but the Senate has not yet discussed it.
Advocates say many local governments already make meetings accessible. A survey they conducted last spring found that more than half of city councils, select boards, and school committees across the state are holding hybrid or online meetings. They argue that this proves offering both options is possible and should be the standard.
The group backs a separate proposal by State Representative Tony Cabral that would require all local boards to provide both in-person and online attendance.
