Massachusetts Senate Bill S2139

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 3/28/24

Caption

Relative to municipal light plants

Impact

Should S2139 be enacted, it would modify existing statutes to enhance privacy protections for municipal light plants. By allowing these entities to withhold disclosure of proprietary or competitively-sensitive information, the bill aims to promote better business practices and encourage those plants to operate in an efficient manner without the fear of exposing sensitive data that could be detrimental to their economic interests. This change may also reassure municipal light plants that they can engage with private partners without risking significant data exposure.

Summary

Senate Bill S2139, titled 'An Act relative to municipal light plants,' proposes amendments to Chapter 164 of the General Laws related to municipal light plants in Massachusetts. The bill seeks to ensure that municipal lighting plants are exempt from certain public record and open meeting requirements outlined in the sections of chapter 30A and chapter 66, specifically when it comes to protecting trade secrets and other sensitive information. It addresses the need for confidentiality in municipal operations that may have implications for competitiveness and customer relations.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of this bill, particularly from transparency advocates who may argue that the proposed exemptions could lead to reduced accountability and oversight of municipal operations. By limiting public access to records and meeting minutes, concerns could arise regarding whether municipalities might misuse this privilege to shield accountability measures or obscure information from public scrutiny. Balancing competitive business needs with the public's right to know could spark discussions among legislators and constituents about the overall implications for local governance.