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SD 2641

An Act enabling the appointment of alternates to the Swampscott Conservation Commission

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brendan Crighton

Swampscott could appoint up to two alternates to the Conservation Commission to cover absences or vacancies, designated by the chair, for terms up to three years.

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Bill Summary · SD 2641

Summary: An Act enabling the appointment of alternates to the Swampscott Conservation Commission (Senate Docket No. 2641)

Overview

This proposed local act would authorize the Select Board in Swampscott to appoint up to two alternate members to the Swampscott Conservation Commission. The alternates would serve terms of up to three years and would function to maintain Commission operations when regular members are absent, unable to act, in conflict, or when there is a vacancy pending for a vacancy-to-be-filled.

Key Provisions

  • Appointment of alternates: The Select Board may appoint up to two alternate Conservation Commission members.
  • Term length: Alternates may serve for terms not exceeding three years.
  • Designation and authority: The Chair of the Conservation Commission may designate an alternate to sit on the Commission in cases of absence, inability to act, or conflict of interest by a current member, or to fill a vacancy until the vacancy is filled, or to take any related actions.
  • Legal override: The provision explicitly states that this authority operates “Notwithstanding Section 8C of Chapter 40 of the General Laws,” meaning it provides a local exception within state law for Swampscott.

Affected Parties

  • Swampscott Conservation Commission: Benefits from additional coverage and continuity in meetings and decisions.
  • Select Board (appointing authority): Gains authority to appoint alternates to the Commission.
  • Town leadership and residents: Potentially experience more consistent Commission operations and timely decision-making on conservation matters.

Practical Impact

  • Improves continuity of governance for the Swampscott Conservation Commission, reducing disruption due to member absence or vacancies.
  • Creates a formal mechanism to utilize alternates for quorum or action, with designated chairperson control over when alternates participate.

Timeline and Status

  • Official filing: February 4, 2025, as Senate Docket No. 2641 (Senate No. 23) related to Swampscott; the bill is categorized as a local/municipal measure.
  • Local approval: Indicated as “Local Approval Received,” signaling municipal support from Swampscott authorities.
  • Current status: Not specified in the provided text; identified as a proposed local bill for the 2025-2026 session. The user-supplied date of November 29, 2025 appears to reflect introduction in a later year and is not consistent with the file date in the Senate docket excerpt.

Notes

  • This is a local option bill specific to Swampscott and would not automatically apply to other towns without similar local actions or separate legislation.
  • If enacted, local officials should ensure compliance with existing state statutes (aside from the overridden section) and clarify any implications for quorum, voting, and vacancies.

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

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