Open Meeting Law
The Open Meeting Law, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 39, Sec. 23B was developed from the principle that the democratic process depends on the public having knowledge of the considerations upon which governmental action is based. The Open Meeting Law and related statutes are intended to eliminate much of the secrecy surrounding deliberations and decisions on which public policy is based. At its most basic level, the Open Meeting Law requires, with limited exceptions, governmental bodies to do its business in public.
Upon receiving a complaint, this Office will determine if a violation has occurred. In addition, this Office will offer its opinion in advance concerning a specific procedure that a governmental body may use. For more information, please see our Open Meeting Law Manual 
.