Massachusetts Senate Bill S900

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 3/18/24

Caption

Relative to electronic meetings and voting in condominiums

Impact

The implications of S900 are significant, as they modernize how condominium associations operate in light of technological advancements. The bill empowers unit owners to engage in meetings regardless of their physical location, promoting inclusivity and participation. Moreover, by enabling electronic voting, the legislation seeks to streamline decision-making processes within associations, potentially leading to more efficient governance structures in condominium management. This is particularly relevant in times where flexibility in communication is paramount, and traditional methods may not suffice.

Summary

Senate Bill S900, presented by Rebecca L. Rausch, seeks to amend Chapter 183A of the General Laws in Massachusetts to facilitate electronic meetings and voting among condominium associations. The proposed legislation allows governing bodies of such organizations to hold meetings via telephonic or video conferencing methods. This move addresses the growing need for remote participation, especially following trends in digital communication during recent periods where in-person gatherings were restricted. It outlines that presence through electronic means would count towards quorum requirements, thus making decisions more accessible to unit owners unable to attend physically.

Contention

However, the bill may face potential challenges related to data security and privacy during electronic voting and meetings. Concerns may arise over the integrity of votes cast through digital means and whether these platforms can adequately protect against unauthorized access or potential fraud. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the transparency of electronic discussions and decisions made in a virtual environment, particularly if unit owners feel that their ability to contribute is diminished in such settings compared to face-to-face interactions.