Written by Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources will hold its annual holiday meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8, in Salem.
During the meeting, KP Law managing attorney Lauren Goldberg will provide “First Amendment audit” training.
In recent years, municipalities across the country have been increasingly subjected to First Amendment audits, where self-described “auditors” record interactions with public officials in government buildings and post their videos on the internet.
Goldberg will provide an overview of First Amendment audits, how municipalities can prepare, what to do when an auditor shows up at a municipal building, and what to do after a municipality has been subjected to a First Amendment audit.
Registration and a networking breakfast will begin at 9 a.m. The program will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. A light lunch will be served.
The meeting will be held at the Hawthorne Hotel at 18 Washington Square West in Salem.
The registration fee is $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers. Registration and a complete agenda will be available online. A registration link will be emailed to all MMHR members.
The MMA is requiring attendees of in-person meetings to show proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID (card, photo or QR code). Exemptions are allowed with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours. Masks are optional. These safety protocols are subject to change based on the latest public health data and guidance.
Agenda
9 a.m.
Registration and Networking Breakfast
9:30 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks
Dolores Hamilton, Stow Assistant Town Administrator, MMHR Chair
9:40 a.m.
Legislative Update
Dave Koffman, MMA Legislative Director
10 a.m.
First Amendment Audit Protocols
Lauren Goldberg, Managing Attorney, KP Law
In recent years, more and more municipalities have been subject to first amendment audits, in which “auditors” record interactions with public officials and post videos to the internet. This training will provide attendees with an overview of what a first amendment audit is, how municipalities can prepare for one, what to do if a first amendment auditor shows up at a municipal building, and what to do after a municipality has been subjected to a first amendment audit.
Noon
Lunch
1 p.m.
Adjournment
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