Massachusetts
Open Meeting Law
Formally: Massachusetts Open Meeting Law
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 30A, §§ 18–25
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 2 days, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required, remote allowed, written accepted |
| Closed Sessions | 7 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
Post notice at least 48 hours before meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays); notice must list topics chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed; file with municipal clerk and post conspicuously
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — 2/3 vote to take final action on non-agenda items
Public Participation
Massachusetts Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. ch. 30A § 18 et seq.) does not mandate public comment. Bodies may allow comment at their discretion. The law requires the body to accept and preserve written public comments submitted via the body's designated method for at least 7 days after the meeting. Any person may request a copy of any written comment submitted. M.G.L. ch. 30A § 20(f).
Virtual Meetings
Allowed under MGL c. 30A, §§ 18-25 (temporary provisions extended to June 30, 2027 by 2025 legislation); public bodies may hold fully remote meetings without a physical quorum present. Remote members count toward quorum. Adequate alternative access to remote meetings required.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Not required
Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all motions and their disposition (M.G.L. c.30A § 22)
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Scope
This law applies to:
Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)
Accessibility & Language Access
ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.
Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.