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Bill

HD 6244

An Act establishing an amendment to Bridgewater Town Charter Article VIII, Section 8-2 Citizen Referendum Petition Timeframe

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dennis Gallagher

Establishes a 30-day window after final passage for a 5% voter petition to suspend a measure, reconsider it, and place it on a vote with approval by town, state, and voters.

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Bill Summary · HD 6244

Purpose and intent

  • The bill proposes an amendment to Bridgewater Town Charter, Article VIII, Section 8-2, to modify the timeframe and process for citizen referendum petitions on town-measurements.
  • The core aim is to establish a formal process by which a referendum petition can suspend a measure and trigger a reconsideration and potential voter vote, subject to approval by local officials and state authorities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amended language for Citizen Referendum Procedures; Referendum Petition; Effect on Final Passage:
    • If, within 30 days after final passage of a measure, a petition is filed with the elected town clerk, signed by voters equal to at least 5% of the total number of voters, protesting against the measure or any part of its effect, the measure’s implementation is suspended.
    • The town council must immediately reconsider the measure or the affected part.
    • If the measure or part is not entirely rescinded, the town council must submit it to a vote of the voters either at the next regular town election or at a special election called for that purpose.
    • The measure or part will become null and void unless a majority of voters voting on the measure at the election vote in favor.
  • Effect of passage is contingent on approval by three entities:
    • The Bridgewater Town Council
    • The Massachusetts State Legislature
    • The voters of Bridgewater
  • The new framework places a defined 30-day window and sets a 5% threshold for petition signatures to trigger the referendum process.

Who is affected

  • Bridgewater residents who are eligible voters (as the petition must be signed by voters equal to 5% of the total number of voters).
  • Bridgewater Town Council, which would have to pause a measure and reconsider it, then place it on a ballot if not rescinded entirely.
  • Bridgewater’s legislative process, including the possibility of special elections for referendums.
  • State authorities (Massachusetts Legislature) must approve the amendment for it to take effect, in addition to local approval.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Trigger window: 30 days after final passage of a measure.
  • Petition threshold: 5% of the total number of voters.
  • Immediate action: Suspension of the measure’s effect and mandatory reconsideration by the town council.
  • Voting options: Referendum to be held at the next regular town election or a specially called election.
  • Outcome: The measure becomes null and void unless a majority votes in favor at the referendum.
  • Multi-entity approval: The amendment becomes effective only with approval by the Town Council, the State Legislature, and Bridgewater voters.

Additional notes

  • The bill is sponsored by Dennis C. Gallagher (and lists a co-sponsor with the same name), and is filed as House Docket No. 6244 in the 194th Massachusetts General Court.
  • The proposal requires statewide constitutional/ charter amendment processes to be completed before taking effect.

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

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