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H 5504

An Act authorizing the town of Hingham to grant to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts certain parcels of land in the town of Hingham for highway purposes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Meschino

Hingham transfers about 8 acres to MassDOT for highway use, with MassDOT paying at least 110% of appraisal value into a town conservation fund and the land later under the Conserva

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · H 5504

Summary of Bill H 5504 (194th General Court, Massachusetts)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill authorizes and facilitates a land transfer between the town of Hingham and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for highway purposes. Specifically, the town may transfer certain parcels to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to support transportation infrastructure, while MassDOT compensates the town with land conservation and monetary value.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1

    • Grants authority for the town of Hingham to transfer to MassDOT for highway purposes specific parcels of land located in Hingham.
    • The parcels are identified on a plan titled “Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division Plan and Profile of Route 3A / Summer Street / Rockland Street in the Town of Hingham Plymouth County Preliminary Right of Way Plans,” filed with MassDOT.
    • This transfer is authorized notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary.

  • Section 2

    • Consideration for the transfer includes two components:
    • (a) Transfer of approximately 8 acres of land from an 10.78 acre parcel known as Assessor’s Map 106, Lot 3, located at 0 Hobart Street, from the town’s care, custody, and control (currently under the select board) to MassDOT, with the town to eventually place this land under the care, custody, and control of its Conservation Commission (subject to Article 97 protections and related constitutional and statutory requirements).
    • (b) MassDOT shall compensate the town of Hingham in an amount not less than 110 percent of the fair market value or value in use of the transferred lands, whichever is greater, as determined by a professional appraisal. The funds from this compensation must be deposited into a conservation land fund dedicated to land conservation in Hingham.

  • Section 3

    • MassDOT will bear all costs associated with the conveyances, including engineering, surveys, appraisal, deed preparation, and other related expenses.

  • Section 4

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Town of Hingham

    • Land will be transferred to MassDOT for highway purposes.
    • Receives monetary compensation (at least 110% of appraised value) deposited into a town conservation fund.
    • The 8-acre portion identified (approximately 8 of 10.78 acres) would transition to the Conservation Commission’s care after transfer.

  • Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)

    • Receives parcels for highway-related use and related project needs as part of Route 3A/Summer Street/Rockland Street area plans.

  • Hingham Conservation Commission

    • After transfer, the care, custody, and control of the designated 8-acre land would be with the Conservation Commission, subject to Article 97 protections.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative action history:

    • The bill was presented in 2026 and moved through committee review, with House and Senate actions indicating progression.
    • Action history shows Senate concurrence on 2026-06-11, with prior steps including committee referrals and rules consideration.

  • Triggering requirements

    • Transfer subject to Article 97 constraints (Conservation and related protections) and relevant Massachusetts statutory provisions (e.g., M.G.L. c. 3, § 5A).
    • Appraisal determines compensation to ensure a minimum 110% value and funds are dedicated to conservation purposes in Hingham.

Notable details

  • Land description:
    • Approximately 8 acres from a larger 10.78-acre parcel (Assessor’s Map 106, Lot 3) at 0 Hobart Street, Hingham.
  • Financials:
    • Compensation to the town: not less than 110% of the fair market value or value in use, based on professional appraisal.
    • Funds directed to a conservation land fund for Hingham.

Practical impact

  • The bill enables a concrete land exchange to support highway infrastructure while preserving long-term conservation funding and control within Town of Hingham.
  • It aligns transportation needs with conservation goals by reinvesting compensation into local land conservation efforts.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language flyer or a side-by-side section-by-section laydown to further simplify the bill for non-expert readers.

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

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