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HD 6220

An Act allowing print-free digital legal notices in the town of Shrewsbury

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hannah Kane

Allows Shrewsbury to replace print legal notices with digital-only notices, posted publicly online for required hearings and proceedings.

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Bill Summary · HD 6220

Summary of HD 6220 (Session 194th) – Massachusetts

Purpose and intent

This bill proposes to authorize the town of Shrewsbury to replace traditional print newspaper notices with print-free digital notices for certain required legal notices. The core aim is to streamline notice publishing by allowing digital-only dissemination, potentially reducing costs and expanding accessibility for residents who rely on online information.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authority granted to Shrewsbury: The bill would empower the town to issue legally required notices (such as notices of hearings, meetings, ordinances, or other public proceedings) exclusively through digital means, without a print publication requirement.
  • Format and method: Notices would be published in a digital format accessible to the public, rather than in a print newspaper. The bill may set standards for digital publication (e.g., posting on the town’s official website or another designated digital platform) and require reasonable accessibility measures.
  • Public access requirements: The town would need to ensure that digital notices remain publicly accessible for a specified duration and that reasonable accommodations are provided to residents without internet access or with limited digital capability, if applicable under standard practice.
  • Transition and implementation: Provisions typically include a timeline or process for adopting digital notices, with potential minimum notice requirements prior to implementation so residents and stakeholders understand the new method.
  • Consistency with state law: The bill aligns with existing statutes governing municipal notices by authorizing a digital-only approach within Shrewsbury, subject to any state-level requirements or subsequent updates to law.

Who would be affected

  • Municipal government of Shrewsbury: Responsible for issuing all legally required notices via digital means under the authority granted by the bill.
  • Residents and stakeholders in Shrewsbury: Individuals who rely on public notices would receive information digitally. The bill implies enhanced online accessibility but may necessitate outreach to ensure all residents are aware of digital notice procedures.
  • Local officials and agencies: Departments that conduct public hearings, meetings, or other proceedings would publish notices digitally in place of or alongside traditional print notices.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Authorized alternative: The bill provides a legal framework for Shrewsbury to implement digital-only notices, subject to compliance with relevant notice timelines and publication requirements.
  • Effective date and transition: If enacted, the bill would specify when Shrewsbury may begin digital notices and any transitional period during which both digital and print notices might be used or phased out.
  • Reporting or review: There may be provisions for periodic reporting on notice effectiveness, accessibility, and any issues encountered during implementation.

Potential impact

  • Cost and efficiency: Potentially lower publication costs and faster dissemination of notices.
  • Access and equity considerations: Digital notices can increase reach but may raise concerns about residents without reliable internet access; the bill typically would rely on existing accessibility obligations and may require public outreach to address gaps.
  • Local autonomy: Grants Shrewsbury flexibility to tailor notice practices to the town’s needs while remaining compliant with state law.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated provisions and typical structures of similar local option measures. For precise language, definitions, and any fiscal implications, refer to the official bill text and fiscal notes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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