HB1369

Chair, Members of the Committee, My name is Sherly Harianto, and I am submitting this testimony in strong support of the House bill that would allow the public to access important town documents—such as warrants, notices, and other municipal records—electronically. I support this bill because transparency is essential for a healthy community and a trustworthy government. When residents can easily access information, they are better able to understand what is happening in their town, participate in local decisions, and hold public officials accountable. Many people work long hours, have family responsibilities, or face transportation barriers that make it difficult to visit town offices in person. Electronic access removes those barriers and ensures that everyone—not just a few—can stay informed. In my own experience, I have seen how difficult it can be for the public to obtain important information. When documents are not available online, people are left unaware of decisions that affect their rights, their families, and their communities. Lack of access creates confusion, frustration, and mistrust. It should not be this way. Public information should be truly public. Allowing always updates electronic access to warrants and other town records will: • Increase transparency and accountability • Help residents stay informed about local actions • Reduce misunderstandings and misinformation • Make government more accessible to working families, seniors, and people with disabilities • Strengthen trust between the community and public institutions This bill is not just about convenience—it is about fairness. It ensures that every resident has the same opportunity to know what is happening in their town, regardless of their schedule, income, or ability to travel. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to support this bill and move it forward. Public access to information is a fundamental part of democracy, and electronic access is long overdue. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully submitted, Sherly Harianto

I fully support this bill and believe it will be strengthened by adding language about for how long something must be posted on the website. For example, I can still go purchase (or look up online) all the newspapers from last week- but if my town or city posts something and it's only there for 6 hours, that's a problem which revised bill text can rectify.

Proper posting ensures residents are informed and can participate fully in local governance.

Position recorded without written comment.

Position recorded without written comment.

Position recorded without written comment.