An Act empowering municipalities and local governments

H 5131 allows municipalities to hold meetings with remote participation for all members, requiring clear audio, roll call voting for remote attendees, and public access via free technology like video or phone. It creates a new "Double Pole Municipal Fund" to distribute certain existing revenues (from section 34B of chapter 164) directly to towns without annual appropriations, with annual reports to lawmakers. The bill also clarifies that "select board" includes mayors and town boards, and updates complaint rules for open meeting law violations. These changes directly affect all cities and towns operating under Massachusetts municipal laws.