Attorney General's Office to Hold Four Public Hearings Regarding Proposed Open Meeting Law Regulations

BOSTON - Pursuant to Chapter 30A, sections 2 and 3 of the General Laws, Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office will hold four public hearings in regions throughout the Commonwealth to receive comments on the new Open Meeting Law ("OML") regulations. The Open Meeting Law (OML) regulations are being promulgated to ensure transparency, clarity and consistency in the law.

The following public hearings have been scheduled:

August 5, 2010 - Office of the Attorney General

One Ashburton Place, 21 ^st Floor
Boston, Ma 02108
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

August 9 - Worcester Registry of Deeds

90 Front St.
Worcester, MA 01608.
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

August 10 - Office of the Attorney General

1350 Main St. 4 ^th Floor
Springfield, MA 01103
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

August 11 - University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, College of Visual and Performing Arts

715 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) assumed responsibility on July 1, 2010 for enforcement of the OML from the state's District Attorneys, who previously enforced the law as it pertains to municipal bodies. Under the new law, the Attorney General's office is responsible for oversight and enforcement of the OML as it pertains to all public bodies at the municipal, regional and state levels.

In addition to the public hearings, that Attorney General's Office will also accept written comments until August 18, 2010. Individuals or groups who wish to submit comments may do so by mail or email:

Mail: Attorney General's Office
Division of Open Government
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108

Email: openmeeting@state.ma.us

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