The Massachusetts State Legislature has passed, and Governor Maura Healy has signed, a bill that amends Massachusetts General Laws to allow meetings of members to be held in person, remotely, or in a hybrid manner, based on the decision of the organization's Board of Directors, according to Attorney Elizabeth Reinhardt, legal counsel for SNEUCC.
No information is yet available as to specific language required in a Board vote to allow such meetings. However, it is now safe for any local congregation in Massachusetts to plan a remote or hybrid Annual Meeting. Connecticut and Rhode Island churches have had this option all along, unless specifically prohibited in their bylaws (see information from Heather Kimmel here.)
Massachusetts nonprofits had been allowed to hold remote Annual Meetings under emergency law that was in effect during the pandemic. The Conference had previously reported that law was due to expire on March 31, and had warned churches about planning remote meetings after that date. This latest action by the legislature now replaces that emergency provision.
No information is yet available as to specific language required in a Board vote to allow such meetings. However, it is now safe for any local congregation in Massachusetts to plan a remote or hybrid Annual Meeting. Connecticut and Rhode Island churches have had this option all along, unless specifically prohibited in their bylaws (see information from Heather Kimmel here.)
Massachusetts nonprofits had been allowed to hold remote Annual Meetings under emergency law that was in effect during the pandemic. The Conference had previously reported that law was due to expire on March 31, and had warned churches about planning remote meetings after that date. This latest action by the legislature now replaces that emergency provision.
The SNEUCC Annual Meeting will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester on June 17th. Delegates are encouraged to attend in person if they can, but the opportunity to participate remotely will also be available.