Bill
H 5426
Expands a town board from three to five members and modernizes North Attleborough’s charter with updated terminology, governance scope, and write-in candidate rules.
Bill H.5426 (Session 194th, Massachusetts) is a local bill proposing amendments to the charter of the town of North Attleborough. The measure primarily updates terminology, adjusts certain structural provisions, expands a board vacancy/appointment dynamic, clarifies write-in candidacy rules, aligns language, and sets an effective date. The bill has been filed with the support of the town and received local approval.
1) Terminology clarification
- Section 2-4(b) (Article II): Replace the word “section” with “subsection” in the referenced charter provision to align with statutory drafting standards.
2) Parks and recreation governance
- Section 3-1(a) (Article III): Change the designation from “Park Commission” to “Parks and Recreation Commission,” signaling a broader scope and branding for the town department responsible for parks, recreation, and related activities.
3) Internal cross-references
- Section 3-1(d)(2) (Article III): Modify cross-reference from “(a), above” to “(d)(1)” to reflect updated section numbering after amendments.
4) Town meeting/elected body composition
- Section 5-4(a) (Article V): Increase the number of members from three to five, expanding the size of the relevant town body (likely a committee or board).
5) Write-in/sticker candidacy rules
- Section 5-8(b) (Article V): Correct a drafting error by changing the term from “81Y” to “81GG,” ensuring proper interpretation of petition/candidate thresholds or related requirements.
6) Write-in or sticker candidate eligibility
- Section 7-3 (Article VII): Add new subsection (d) addressing write-in or sticker candidates:
- A write-in or sticker candidate who receives the highest vote total shall not be declared elected unless their votes are at least equal to the number of signatures required to place a candidate’s name on the official ballot (as provided in Section 7-3(a)).
- This creates a parity or threshold requirement for electing write-in or sticker candidates, ensuring they meet a minimum basis for qualification.
7) Language consistency for bylaws
- Section 9-1(b)(iii) (Article IX): Replace the word “ordinance” with “bylaw” to standardize terminology used for local regulations.
8) Effective date
- Section 8: The act takes effect upon passage.
H.5426 seeks to modernize North Attleborough’s charter by refining terminology, expanding a key town board from three to five members, updating department naming to reflect a broader Parks and Recreation scope, clarifying internal references, and establishing a clear threshold for electing write-in/sticker candidates. It also standardizes terms across the charter (bylaws vs ordinances) and clarifies cross-references. The bill reflects local governance adjustments intended to improve clarity, administration, and electoral integrity within the town.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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