Bill
H 4211
The bill changes Holden’s elected moderator term to three years and provides a transition for the current moderator, with other offices and appointments remaining under town by-law
Overview
- Purpose: Change the term length for Holden’s elected moderator to a three-year term, with a transitional provision for the current moderator.
- Status: Enacted and law; Chapter 61 of the Acts of 2025. Takes effect upon passage.
- Introduction and Local Approval: Introduced June 9, 2025; Local approval received; enacted in the 2025-2026 General Court session.
What the bill does
- Amends the Holden Town Charter (Section 4) to modify the term of the elected moderator from the current arrangement to a three-year term.
- Establishes a transition for the incumbent moderator: upon the act’s effective date, the current elected moderator will serve for a period equal to the remainder of their current term (or until resignation/retirement/removal).
- After the transition, the moderator will hold a three-year term going forward, consistent with Section 1.
- Keeps the election timing for other town offices (selectmen, district school committee, and trustees of Damon Memorial) as the first annual town election following acceptance of the act, with the same election framework unless the town by-law provides otherwise.
- Maintains that, unless by-law provides otherwise, the moderator shall continue to appoint a finance committee and board of appeals.
Key provisions (by section)
- Section 1: Redefines the moderator’s term to three years for future elections; clarifies that, consistent with local by-laws, the moderator may continue to appoint the finance committee and board of appeals.
- Section 2: Establishes a transition rule for the incoming act: the current moderator serves the remainder of their current term; thereafter, the moderator serves three-year terms.
- Section 3: Effective date language; the act takes effect upon passage.
Who is affected
- Elected moderator of the Town of Holden: primary term change to three years, with transitional rules for the current incumbent.
- Holden registered voters: continue to elect the moderator (and other town offices) at annual elections as defined, subject to any by-law variations.
- Town governance bodies: finance committee and board of appeals appointments remain at the moderator’s discretion, unless a by-law states otherwise.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Pending steps occurred in 2025, culminating in the governor’s signature and enactment as Chapter 61 of the Acts of 2025.
- The act specifies immediate effect upon passage, with the transitional arrangements applying to the current moderator.
Financial/fiscal impact
- No specific fiscal provisions or appropriations are stated in the bill. Changes are administrative/governance-related and affect election cycles and appointment authorities as described.
Related context
- Related bill: HD 4790 (replaces) is listed in connection with this matter, indicating a companion or replacement measure in the same subject area.
This summary focuses on the substantive changes: a three-year term for Holden’s moderator, transitional rules for the current officeholder, and continuity of elected offices and appointment authorities consistent with the town charter.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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