Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is spearheading transparency within government bodies, as she unveiled her office’s annual report on compliance with the Open Meeting Law (OML) today. Campbell's commitment ensures that the wheels of government turn not in the shadows, but in the sunlight of public scrutiny. The report detailed the activities of the Division of Open Government, dedicated to promoting transparency since 2010.
In an uptick from the previous year, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) dealt with 395 OML complaints in 2025, according to the report published at mass.gov. With each complaint scrutinized, the Division of Open Government handed down 264 determination and declination letters, ultimately resolving 306 complaints. Despite the seemingly arduous task, the efforts remain steadfast in fortifying the bulwarks of democracy.
The report disclosed that 56% of the reviewed complaints unearthed violations of the OML, a slight increase from the prior year. Recurrent issues included vague meeting notices, spotty meeting minutes, and unauthorized deliberations outside of posted meetings. The Division often mandated remedial actions, such as the creation, approval, or modification of meeting minutes and the directive for immediate and future OML compliance.
Educational strides were also notable in 2025, as the Division trained upwards of 1,220 individuals on OML requirements and conducted 19 public webinars. Assistance to the public remained a formidable arm of the Division's work with around 1,482 inquiries addressed through its helpline. The team behind these endeavors, led by Acting Director Elizabeth Carnes Flynn, Paralegal Natalie Reyes and Assistant Attorneys General Kerry Kilcoyne and Matthew Lindberg, continues to form the backbone of this crucial operation, working tirelessly to safeguard the public's right to government transparency.
For those suspecting a violation of the Open Meeting Law, the AGO website offers a complaint form, as well as contact information for additional questions via phone at (617) 963-2540, or email at [email protected].
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