Opinion: Bill would open government and improve democracy

As we celebrate Sunshine Week, dedicated to promoting open government and transparency, remember that democracy thrives when the public can actively engage in decisions that affect their lives. For this reason, I am proud to sponsor H. 3299, An Act to Modernize Participation in Public Meetings, a bill designed to make government more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the people it serves. 

Public meetings are a cornerstone of our democratic process. They offer a vital platform for residents to voice their concerns, provide input on policies, and hold elected officials accountable. A silver lining to the COVID 19 pandemic was the emergency change to the Open Meeting Law that permitted remote access to and remote participation in local government  meetings. That access removed the barriers posed by in-person meetings — such as disabilities, child care concerns, schedule conflicts, transportation issues, or health concerns — which formerly made it more difficult for people to engage with their government. This is where H. 3299 comes in. 

This bill is a common-sense solution to codify how we now conduct public meetings. It would allow for virtual participation, enabling residents to attend and participate remotely through online platforms. By using remote technology, we can bridge the gap between government and the public, ensuring that every voice is heard, regardless of the challenges people may face in physically attending a meeting. 

Under the proposed legislation, public bodies would be required to offer both in-person and remote participation options for all meetings. This is not just about convenience; it’s about fairness and inclusivity. We know that individuals with disabilities, parents juggling child care, workers with non-traditional hours, and senior citizens may find it difficult to attend meetings in person. By allowing virtual participation, we are removing these barriers, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to contribute to  our government.

Moreover, H. 3299 promotes transparency. It ensures that public meetings are accessible not only to those who can attend in person but to a broader, more diverse group of people. The more people who can engage, the better our decision-making becomes. And when the public is more  engaged, elected officials are more accountable to their constituents. This bill does not just make public meetings more convenient; it strengthens the democratic fabric of our society. 

At a time when public trust in government is increasingly challenged, it is more important than ever to make it easier for people to have a say in their government. By expanding access to public meetings, H. 3299 helps restore faith in our democratic institutions. It reminds us that our  government works best when it is open, accessible, and responsive to the people it serves. 

Of course, virtual participation is not a replacement for in-person engagement but rather an enhancement. The bill would still allow for face-to-face communication, fostering the important connections and community-building that happen when we gather in person. But it also  recognizes that, in today’s world, we must use new technologies to make government more accessible.

As we observe Sunshine Week, remember that transparency and accessibility are not just ideals we strive for — they are the foundations of a functioning democracy. H. 3299 is a step toward modernizing the way we engage with our government, ensuring that participation in public meetings is no longer limited by location, schedule, or circumstance. 

Tony Cabral is a New Bedford state representative and the sponsor of H. 3299, An Act to Modernize Participation in Public Meetings.