WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 4845

An Act granting Uxbridge the ability to post public meeting notices

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Fattman and 2 co-sponsors

Gives Uxbridge power to publish public notices via print, websites, and digital platforms, widening access while preserving required timing via the town website and digital outlets.

Accompanied a new draft, see H5228
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4845

Summary of Bill H. 4845: An Act granting Uxbridge the ability to post public meeting notices

Purpose

This bill authorizes the town of Uxbridge (and its public schools and subdivisions) to publish required legal notices using non-traditional formats in addition to, or instead of, traditional newspaper publications. The aim is to provide flexible, accessible options for notifying the public about government and school activities, consistent with and authorized by existing General Law provisions.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Authorized methods for publishing legal notices
    • When a general or special law, charter, by-law, or judicial order requires publishing a legal notice, the requirement may be satisfied by one or more of the following:
    • (i) A print newspaper of local or general circulation
    • (ii) The newspaper’s website
    • (iii) Digital publications on websites reporting local news and opinion that meet all criteria for digital publication as defined in current law
    • (iv) A statewide website maintained as a repository for such notices
    • (v) A town-wide website maintained as a repository for such notices
  • Section 2: Timing remains unchanged
    • The act does not alter the timing or scheduling requirements for publication of notices set forth in the General Laws.
  • Section 3: Effective date
    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Town of Uxbridge and its related entities (Uxbridge Public Schools and town subdivisions/committees/boards/departments/offices)
  • Broader impact: Provides a model that could influence how other municipalities or districts view notice publication, though this bill specifically concerns Uxbridge.

Legislative and Procedural Details

  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
  • Introduced: December 15, 2025
  • Legislative actions: House docket No. 4845; referred on 2025-12-15
  • Related/Notes: Related HD 5440 is listed as a replacement bill in the docket (potentially a companion or updated version)

Potential Impact

  • Flexibility and accessibility: Local stakeholders can access notices via multiple formats, including online platforms and town websites, potentially increasing reach.
  • Public notice efficiency: May reduce reliance on traditional print newspapers if one of the approved digital options is widely accessible and compliant with statutory criteria.
  • Compliance considerations: Local officials must ensure chosen publication methods satisfy all statutory criteria for digital publication to meet legal notice requirements.

Overall, H. 4845 formalizes a multi-channel approach for publishing public meeting notices in Uxbridge, preserving legal timing while expanding how notices can be disseminated.

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

Sign in to ask a question.