WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 4847

An Act amending the charter of the town of Hopkinton to correct a statutory reference

193rd Legislature (2023-2024) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa

Hopkinton charter fixes a cross-reference, replacing M.G.L. c.41 §97 with §97A to align with current state law; takes effect upon passage.

Laid before the Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4847

Summary: H 4847 — An Act amending the charter of the town of Hopkinton to correct a statutory reference

Purpose and intent

This bill amends Hopkinton’s charter to correct a legal cross-reference. Specifically, it updates Article 3, Section 3-1, subsection (d) to replace the outdated citation M.G.L. c.41 §97 with M.G.L. c.41 §97A. The goal is to ensure the charter’s references align with current Massachusetts General Laws.

Key provisions

  • Section 1 (technical cross-reference): In Hopkinton’s charter, Article 3, Section 3-1, subsection (d), the text “M.G.L. c.41 §97” is struck and replaced with “M.G.L. c.41 §97A.”
  • Section 2 (effective date): The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected entities

  • Primary: Town of Hopkinton, and its charter provisions governing town governance.
  • Secondary: Municipal governance in Massachusetts that relies on accurate cross-references to state statutes; ensures consistency between the charter and current M.G.L. provisions.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced/filed: July 2, 2024 (House Docket No. 5242)
  • Referred: July 10, 2024 to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
  • Committee action: July 25, 2024 — committee reported favorably and referred to House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
  • Legislative actions: The bill advanced through standard readings and approvals, with floor actions in both chambers, culminating in a status of “Laid before the Governor” (as of January 1, 2025).
  • Local approval: Indicated as “Local Approval Received” for Hopkinton.
  • Related measure: HD 5242 is the related replacement measure.

Impact and significance

  • Legal clarity: Correcting the cross-reference prevents potential confusion or misapplication of the governing statute, ensuring Hopkinton’s charter remains in harmony with current state law.
  • Immediate effect: The act specifies that it takes effect upon passage, meaning it would apply as soon as signed into law.
  • Practical effect: No fiscal impact is stated; changes are administrative and interpretive, affecting charter references rather than operations or budgets.

Notes

  • The bill is a local charter amendment approved by Hopkinton and filed in the General Court. It is related to, and replaces, HD 5242, which serves the same purpose.

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

Sign in to ask a question.