The official website of the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office
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ASSOCIATED LINKS
AMENDMENTS TO THE OPEN MEETING LAW
Amendment to c.39, s.23B
Videotaping of Meetings
The eighth paragraph of s. 23B dealing with the tape recording of the meeting was amended in June of 1987 by adding the underlined portion which became effective in September of 1987. A meeting of a governmental body may be recorded by any person in attendance by means of a tape recorder or any other means of sonic reproduction or by means of videotape equipment fixed in one or more designated locations determined by the governmental body except when a meeting is held in executive session; provided that in such recording, there is no active interference with the conduct of the meeting." (Emphasis added).
Secret Ballots Prohibited
The seventh paragraph was amended by adding the following language which became effective in October of 1988: "No votes taken in open session shall be by secret ballot." (Emphasis added).
Executive Session for Contract Negotiations and Collective Bargaining
The underlined portion was added in November 1988 and became effective
February 16, 1989.
(3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the governmental body, to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel, to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel. (Emphasis added).
Civil Fines
A new paragraph was added in January 1994 to the portion of the c. 39, s. 23B that addresses court orders for violations. The amendment is effective April 13, 1994.
"Such order may also include a civil fine against the governmental body in an amount of no greater than one thousand dollars for each meeting held in violation of this section."
