Politics & Government

New Open Meeting Law Changes Announcement Practices

The Town of Milton will have to adhere to a new state law that requires it to post meeting agendas for 48 hours prior to meetings with 24/7 access.

The state's new open meeting law, which has tighter rules on meeting announcements and record keeping, has gone into effect today, July 1, forcing changes at the Town of Milton building.

The new open meeting law, which is now under the authority of the state Attorney General rather than the District Attorney, requires that all public meetings must be posted for at least 48 hours, not counting holidays, or Saturday and Sunday. The previous law required two days, but did not disqualify the weekend.

Towns can also no longer just announce a meeting, they must post an agenda with all items that, "the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting." This means more specific line items than "new business" or "old business" must be posted before the meeting.

Find out what's happening in Miltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Aside from adjusting the duration of a posting, the new law also addresses location. While the Town of Milton currently posts news inside the building, they are now expected to display the agendas at all hours.  

For now, Town Secretary Paula Rizzi said the town clerk would be posting the items on the front door of the town building. The glass door and small vestibule will undoubtedly become cluttered during weeks with several schedule meetings.

Find out what's happening in Miltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Despite hopes that the attorney general might loosen the requirements prior to the laws effective date, Rizzi said the town is prepared to adapt. "I think this is the way it's going to be," said Rizzi. "We're just going to need to find creative solutions."

The new meeting law also requires stricter record keeping with detailed minutes and archived documents from all meetings.

If citizens believe the town is in violation of the law, they must first make a complaint to the town. The town must then reply to the complainant and the Attorney General's office. The Attorney General has the right to investigate any violations.


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