Policy on public engagement incorporating use of Internet and Internet tools

1. It is the policy of this State to strengthen and further promote broad, inclusive and meaningful engagement by the general public and interested stakeholders in the activities of the State Government by adopting methods of public participation and public comment that incorporate the use of the Internet and Internet tools. To assist in carrying out this policy each state agency is encouraged, to the extent practicable and within the limits of available money, to develop a policy on public engagement that incorporates the use of the Internet and Internet tools for the purpose of encouraging public participation and soliciting public comments on the activities of the state agency, including, without limitation, the development or adoption of regulations, policies and programs. The Internet tools used by the state agency may include, without limitation, electronic mail, electronic mailing lists, online forums and social media. 2. As used in this section: (a) “Social media” means any electronic service or account or electronic content, including, without limitation, videos, photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts, instant and text messages, live chat, mobile applications, online services or Internet website profiles. (b) “State agency” means every public agency, bureau, board, commission, department or division of the Executive Department of the State Government.