open meeting law

With most public meetings taking place remotely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pioneer Institute has unveiled an online hotline that allows members of the public to report potential violations of the Commonwealth’s and other states' Open Meeting Law.

The purpose of transparency laws is to promote more effective, accountable and responsive government. Engaged citizens are essential for our form of government to thrive over the long-term. According to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “the founding fathers of our...

Under Massachusetts law, the state Legislature is not considered a “public body” in the traditional sense, and therefore enjoys exemptions from open meeting and public records laws. Pioneer Institute believes this is unconstitutional. The state constitution says the Legislature should be accountable to...

PRESS RELEASE: Pioneer Contends the Legislature’s Self-Exemption from the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law is Unconstitutional and Requested an Informal Advisory Opinion from the Attorney General’s Office Related press coverage: Boston Herald: Chabot: Transparency watchdog takes aim at AG; Associated Press: Group: Lawmakers’ open meeting...