An Act facilitating access to justice in the city of Cambridge

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly

The bill requires CAMM to prioritize and lease or sell the former probate court space in the Middlesex South registry of deeds to the Executive Office of the Trial Court if the EOT

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Purpose and intent

The bill is aimed at ensuring the Middlesex South registry of deeds building’s former probate court space is prioritized for court-related needs in Cambridge.

It directs state asset management officials to give precedence to the Executive Office of the Trial Court (EOTC) when deciding the lease, sale, or disposition of the former probate court space in the Middlesex South registry of deeds building.

Key provisions

Ground rule: Notwithstanding any other general or special law, in any decision to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of the former probate court space in the Middlesex South registry of deeds building, the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (CAMM) must consider and prioritize the needs of the Executive Office of the Trial Court for building space in Cambridge.

Trigger and remedy: If the EOTC demonstrates a need for the space or any portion thereof, the commissioner shall sell or lease the space to the EOTC.

Scope: Applies specifically to the former probate court space within the Middlesex South registry of deeds building.

Who is affected

Executive Office of the Trial Court (EOTC): Has a prioritized claim on the space if a need is demonstrated.

Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (CAMM): Responsible for evaluating disposition options and ensuring the priority.

Middlesex South registry of deeds and its former probate court space: the asset in question.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and state government property management processes are engaged by this provision.

Potential impact on Cambridge-related access to court facilities, depending on the EOTC’s demonstrated needs.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduction: February 27, 2025.

Initial committee action: Referred to the Senate committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (Feb. 27, 2025).

Senate concurrence: Noted as part of the bill’s progression (date shown as concurrence).

Hearing: Scheduled for April 9, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in hearing room A-2).

Status updates: The bill was reported favorably by committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee on July 24, 2025.

Related filing: HD 4043 is the related House docket number and appears to replace prior language or versions.

Potential impact and considerations

Access to justice: By prioritizing court space in Cambridge, the bill could facilitate expanded or improved courthouse operations in the city, potentially enhancing local access to judicial services.

Space disposition: The measure centralizes decision-making toward the judiciary’s spatial needs, which could limit other uses of the former probate court space unless the EOTC’s demonstrated need supports leasing or sale to the trial court.

Fiscal and planning implications: No specific cost figures are provided; implementation depends on CAMM’s disposition decisions and the EOTC’s demonstrated needs.

Oversight and implementation: Requires clear demonstration of need by the EOTC and coordination among CAMM, the registry of deeds, and the trial court.

Note: Information reflects the bill text and the listed legislative actions up to 2025. If you need the latest status or amendments, I can pull the current record.

Bill