As we observe Sunshine Week, a time dedicated to promoting government transparency and public access to information, Massachusetts finds itself at a crucial juncture for government transparency. The pandemic-era provisions allowing remote and hybrid public meetings expire March 31, and what follows will determine whether our state advances accessibility or returns to pre-pandemic barriers.
The pandemic taught us an unexpected lesson: When meetings went virtual, public participation flourished. People who had never before engaged with local government suddenly found themselves able to attend meetings, voice concerns, and hold officials accountable. Now, however, Gov. Maura Healey has proposed making the interim pandemic rules permanent without requiring public bodies to maintain remote access.
The governor’s municipal empowerment bill would merely permit — but not mandate — hybrid meetings. This approach falls short. When public access is optional, it becomes a privilege rather than a right, and it creates an inconsistent patchwork across the state, where some residents enjoy better access to their government than others. Democracy demands better.
For many Massachusetts residents, attending meetings in person presents nearly insurmountable barriers. Those with disabilities, working parents without childcare, residents without reliable transportation, and those with demanding work schedules are effectively shut out of the democratic process. These barriers disproportionately affect our most vulnerable communities.
For the press, hybrid meetings enable more comprehensive coverage of local government. When reporters can attend multiple meetings in a single evening without travel time, news deserts shrink and accountability increases. The result is a better-informed public and more responsive government.
We believe the better approach is that of House Bill 3299, “An Act to Modernize Participation in Public Meetings,” filed by State Rep. Antonio Cabral (D-New Bedford), which would make hybrid meeting access a requirement rather than just an option. HB 3299 strikes the right balance by preserving in-person access while ensuring continued virtual participation. It’s not about replacing traditional civic engagement but enhancing it for a more inclusive democracy.
Some officials worry about implementation costs or technical challenges. These concerns, while understandable, pale in comparison to the cost of excluding citizens from their government. Many communities have already demonstrated that hybrid meetings can be conducted effectively and affordably.
As we celebrate Sunshine Week’s commitment to open government, let’s urge our legislators to support HB 3299. True transparency requires not just open doors but accessible ones. The time has come to make hybrid meeting access a permanent right for all Massachusetts residents.
