Massachusetts H5052: An Act relative to town meeting accessibility

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 2, 2026:

Section 12 of Chapter 686 of the Acts of 1970 is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph - (h) The Town Meeting shall be accessible by those Town Meeting Members who wish to attend, either in person or remotely via a video conferencing platform, with a maximum of fifteen (15) members attending remotely. This communications platform will allow users to connect using an internet connection and a supported device. Members of these meetings shall be able to be recognized by the Moderator or Chair, and their vote, where applicable, be recorded via the electronic communications platform.

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Kenneth Gordon (D, 21st Middlesex) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. March 30, 2026: Read second and ordered to a third reading
2. March 30, 2026: Rules suspended
3. March 30, 2026: Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
4. March 12, 2026: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
5. March 3, 2026: Hearing rescheduled to 03/03/2026 from 01:00 PM-01:30 PM in 222 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
6. February 12, 2026: Hearing scheduled for 03/03/2026 from 01:00 PM-03:00 PM in 222
7. February 5, 2026: Senate concurred
8. February 2, 2026: Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (March 6, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H5052?

H5052 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to town meeting accessibility.

What is the status of H5052?

In committee as of March 30, 2026. Latest action: Read second and ordered to a third reading (March 30, 2026).

Who sponsored H5052?

Kenneth Gordon (D, 21st Middlesex).

Where is the official record for H5052?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5052