Conflict of Interest and Open Meeting Law

Open Meeting Law

All Massachusetts town elected officials, appointees, and municipal employees serving on public bodies are required to comply with the Open Meeting Law. The Open Meeting Law, MGL c. 30A, §§18–25, requires that meetings of public bodies be properly posted, open to the public, and accurately recorded. Members of public bodies must review Open Meeting Law materials and certify compliance within two weeks of appointment or election. Guidance and training materials are available from the Attorney General’s Office at https://www.mass.gov/the-open-meeting-law.

Conflict of Interest Law

All Massachusetts town elected officials, appointees, and municipal employees are required to comply with the Conflict of Interest Law.

Required Training under MGL c. 268A, §28 within 30 days of appointment or hire and every two years thereafter. Training is provided online by the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission.

• Training at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/complete-the-conflict-of-interest-law-education-requirements

• Guidance on the law is available at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission.

Under MGL c. 268A, §29, all municipal employees must receive a copy of the Conflict of Interest Law summary and sign a written acknowledgment confirming receipt. The signed acknowledgment must be kept on file by the municipality. The summary and additional guidance are available from the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/summary-of-the-conflict-of-interest-law-for-municipal-employees and https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission.