SENATE DOCKET, NO. 230        FILED ON: 1/13/2017

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 7

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninetieth General Court
(2017-2018)

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Ordered, that there shall be a special senate committee to review and report on citizen engagement and participation in the legislative process. The review shall include, but not be limited to: (i) senate session broadcasting, including streaming on the general court website, and broadcast or distribution to local cable access stations; (ii) remote access and participation by the public; and (iii) guidelines and standards for social media use by members and staff. The committee shall consist of 7 members of the senate: the majority leader and minority leader, who shall serve as co-chairs; 3 members appointed by the senate president; and 2 members appointed by the minority leader.  The committee may consult with experts in broadcasting, media production and others as determined by the co-chairs in order to facilitate the committee’s work. The committee may file an interim report; provided, however, that the committee shall file a final report of its findings with the clerk of the senate not later than June 1, 2017. The final report shall include recommendations to increase citizen engagement and participation in the legislative process and cost estimates, if any, to implement the committee’s recommendations.