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Bill

H 2351

An Act authorizing the Barnstable County and the town of Bourne to convey land and certain interests in land in the town of Bourne

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Vieira and 1 co-sponsor

Authorizes Barnstable County and Bourne to sell or transfer specified land parcels, with details of recipient entities and terms to be determined through legislative process.

New draft substituted, see H4992
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Bill Summary · H 2351

Legislative bill overview

H 2351 authorizes Barnstable County and the town of Bourne to convey (sell or transfer) land and associated property interests within Bourne. The bill enables these government entities to dispose of real property holdings that they currently own, presumably for development, public use, or financial purposes.

Why is this important

Land conveyances by municipalities can generate revenue for local budgets, enable community development projects, or transfer property to entities better positioned to manage or develop it. The outcomes depend entirely on what land is involved, who receives it, and what it will be used for—details not specified in the bill's title, making it difficult to assess actual community impact without the full legislative text.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of transparency in bill title: The specific parcels, recipient entities, and intended uses are not detailed in the authorization, raising questions about whether adequate public oversight occurs before conveyance
  • Financial accountability: The bill doesn't specify whether fair market value will be required, how proceeds will be allocated, or whether competitive bidding processes apply
  • Local impact uncertainty: Property conveyances can affect local tax bases, public access to land, or future development patterns, but these implications aren't addressed in the current framing

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

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