Brookline’s Hybrid Town Meeting Home Rule Reported Favorably

BROOKLINE, MA — On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Election Laws reported Brookline's remote Town Meeting home rule favorably.

The legislation, filed by Rep. Tommy Vitolo, would allow Town Meeting members to fully participate in Town Meeting in person, at a designated meeting location, or remotely via video conferencing.

“This bill is critical to expanding access to Town Meeting to more of Brookline's residents, including those with mobility or health challenges or those who must be at home caring for children or older adults during the meeting times.” said Vitolo, Vice Chair of Election Laws, in a statement. “I'm grateful to Chairs Ryan and Finegold, as well as House leadership, for talking time to learn about the importance of this bill to the Town of Brookline.”

In 1915, Brookline became the first town in Massachusetts to adopt a Representative Town Meeting. More than one hundred years later, the tradition of Town Meeting weathered a pandemic due to the ability to meet remotely. In November 2021, the home rule petitioning the General Court to authorize hybrid meetings passed Town Meeting with overwhelming support.

"I am so glad to see this bill move out of committee with a favorable report," said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem in a statement. "Allowing for remote and in-person attendance at public meetings improves transparency and political participation by bringing more voices to the table."

The legislation now must move through additional committees before reaching the House floor for a vote.