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H 4755

An Act amending the means tested senior citizen property tax exemption in the town of Sudbury

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carmine Gentile

Bill H 4755 allows Sudbury voters to pause or restart the senior property tax exemption, ensuring ongoing support for seniors while enabling community decision-making.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4755

Summary of Bill H 4755: An Act Amending the Means Tested Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption in the Town of Sudbury

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4755 aims to amend the existing means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in Sudbury, Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to provide a structured process for the extension, pausing, and restarting of the tax exemption program, ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of the community and its senior citizens.

Key Provisions

The bill modifies Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2012, as previously amended, by introducing the following key changes:

  1. Restarting the Exemption:

    • The exemption can be restarted by a majority vote of the town's voters during any regular or special election, provided the question is placed on the ballot by the select board.
    • The provisions of the act will take effect 30 days after such a vote.
  2. Pausing the Exemption:

    • The exemption can be paused by a majority vote of the voters at a regular or special town election.
    • Similar to restarting, pausing will take effect 30 days after the affirmative vote.
  3. Regular Review at Town Meeting:

    • Every three years, the town of Sudbury must vote at town meeting on whether to extend the exemption for another three years.
    • If the vote is affirmative, the act continues; if negative, the act is paused until it is restarted by a subsequent vote.
  4. Voting Language:

    • The language used in voting at town meetings will specify whether the act is being extended or restarted, ensuring clarity in the decision-making process.

Who Would Be Affected

This bill primarily impacts senior citizens in Sudbury who benefit from the means-tested property tax exemption. It also affects local government operations, particularly the select board and town meeting processes, as they will be responsible for facilitating the voting on the exemption's status.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: November 17, 2025
  • Status: The Senate has concurred with the bill as of November 19, 2025.
  • Local Approval: The bill has received local approval, indicating community support for the changes proposed.

Conclusion

Bill H 4755 represents a significant step in ensuring that the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in Sudbury remains flexible and responsive to the needs of its senior population. By instituting a clear process for extending and pausing the exemption, the bill aims to enhance the financial stability of senior citizens while allowing for community input through regular voting.

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

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