Amendment ID: S23-6

Amendment 6

Bond funds to promote equitable participation in public meetings

Messrs. Lewis and Tarr, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Feeney move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 3A, the following new section:-

Section 3B.

Executive Office of Administration and Finance

Office of the Secretary

1100-2517 For a grant program for municipal or regional government entities to promote equitable participation in public meetings through information technology upgrades, acquisitions and installations that allow residents to participate in person or through remote technology; provided, that the program shall be administered by the executive office for administration and finance; provided further, that the program shall prioritize equitable accessibility to all members of the public including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities; provided further, that the program shall prioritize geographic equity; provided further, that not less than 30 days before distributing funds from this item, the executive office shall submit grant criteria to the house and senate committees on ways and means; and provided further, that not less than 30 days after distributing funds from this item, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include: (i) a list of grant applicants; (ii) a list of successful grant applicants, including the amounts awarded; and (iii) descriptions of the projects being pursued by successful grant applicants..……………………………….……$30,000,000.