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Bill

H 4805

An Act amending the town charter of the town of Plainville

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marcus Vaughn

The bill amends Plainville’s town charter to change governance and procedures within local government.

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 129 of the Acts of 2026
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Bill Summary · H 4805

Overview

H 4805, introduced in the 194th Massachusetts Legislature, is titled “An Act amending the town charter of the town of Plainville.” The bill proposes changes to Plainville’s town charter and moves through committee and chamber proceedings with sponsor involvement from a co-sponsor (Marcus Vaughn). The action history indicates progression through committee recommendations and successive readings leading to engrossment and passage to the next stage.

Purpose and intent

  • The primary aim is to amend the town charter of Plainville, modifying governance and/or procedural aspects defined in the charter.
  • Charter amendments typically address organizational structure, election/appointment processes, financial oversight, or procedural rules for town government. While the specific textual changes are not provided in the summary, the bill’s core objective is to implement changes recognized as necessary by Plainville’s local government or residents.

Key provisions and changes (as implied)

  • Amendments to the Plainville town charter: The bill would alter one or more provisions of the town’s charter. Possible areas affected (based on typical charter amendments) include:
    • Governance structure: board/committee composition, powers, or appointment methods.
    • Elections and terms: eligibility, term lengths, or succession rules for town offices.
    • Budget and finance: authorization, reporting, or oversight mechanisms.
    • Administrative procedures: meeting rules, record-keeping, or procedural timelines.
    • Voter or citizen participation: initiatives, referenda, recall provisions, or public hearing requirements.
  • The exact textual changes are not provided in the summary, so the above reflects common charter amendment domains and the bill’s intended impact on Plainville’s local government framework.

Who would be affected

  • Plainville residents: indirect beneficiaries through changes in local governance, transparency, and service delivery.
  • Town officers and employees: entities responsible for implementing charter provisions (select board, town clerk, finance committee, etc.) would adopt new procedures or structures.
  • Local lawmakers and committees: bodies tasked with administering charter provisions, ensuring compliance, and updating town bylaws to align with the charter amendments.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduction and sponsorship: Co-sponsor listed as Marcus Vaughn; bill appears to reflect collaboration among sponsors.
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government; reported favorably by the committee on December 8, 2025.
  • Subsequent drafting steps: A new draft related to H4382–H4386 was noted on December 8, 2025, suggesting refinement or consolidation of charter-related measures.
  • 2025–2026 legislative process milestones:
    • December 8, 2025: Reported favorably by committee; referred to House Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
    • December 29, 2025: Rules suspended; second reading completed; third reading ordered.
    • January 22, 2026: Third reading passed to be engrossed.
    • January 27, 2026: Read, rules suspended, and ordered to a third reading.
    • May 26, 2026: Taken out of Orders of the Day; third reading amended (Rausch) and passed to be engrossed.
    • May 26, 2026: Passed to be engrossed after third reading (amendment incorporated).
  • The bill has progressed through standard Massachusetts House procedural steps toward enactment, with ongoing drafting adjustments and amendments as part of the legislative process.

Notes

  • The summary above reflects typical content and procedural context for a town charter amendment bill and the recorded action history. For precise substantive changes (exact sections amended, new text, and specific legal effect), the bill’s enacted language or fiscal note would be required.

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

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