The Massachusetts Open Meeting Law pertains to all municipal public bodies and provides transparency relative to their proceedings and deliberations. Fundamentally, the OML ensures that meetings are publicly posted with at least 48 hours notice, are guided by an agenda that properly informs the public of the topics to be discussed, and that the meeting minutes are recorded and reflect the topics that were discussed and any decisions related thereto. Additionally, the OML prevents a quorum of the board from meeting to discuss/deliberate on public business outside of a public meeting, including a prohibition on members engaging in a series of conversations that would have the net effect of creating a quorum.

Please see the Open Meeting Law Guide and Educational Materials available from the Massachusttes Attorney General's Office for further information on the rules, procedures, and how to file a complaint.