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SD 2806

An Act increasing first assistant clerks in Berkshire County

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Mark

Legislation adds two first assistant clerks in Berkshire County, matching Barnstable, to boost clerical capacity and speed docketing, indexing, and records work.

Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
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Bill Summary · SD 2806

Summary: Senate Bill 2806 (SD 2806) — An Act Increasing First Assistant Clerks in Berkshire County

Purpose and intent

This bill seeks to standardize staffing by increasing the number of first assistant clerks in Berkshire County to two, aligning Berkshire with Barnstable County. The underlying aim is to bolster administrative capacity in the Berkshire County clerks’ offices.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Amends Section 4 of Chapter 221 of the General Laws (as of the 2022 Official Edition) by inserting after the word “Barnstable” the designation “, Berkshire.” This expands the list of counties mentioned in the statute to include Berkshire.

  • Section 2: Amends Section 10 of Chapter 221 of the General Laws (as of the 2022 Official Edition) by inserting after the words “Barnstable, 2 assistant clerks” the designation “Berkshire, 2 assistant clerks.” This establishes Berkshire County as having two first assistant clerks.

  • Effect: If enacted, Berkshire County would be authorized to maintain two first assistant clerks, mirroring the arrangement that exists for Barnstable County.

Affected parties and impact

  • Affected entities: The Berkshire County clerks’ offices (and, more broadly, the state judiciary’s administrative framework managing clerks’ offices).
  • Practical impact: Improves administrative staffing capacity, potentially speeding docket processing, indexing, record-keeping, and related clerical functions within Berkshire County. May have budgetary and staffing implications for county-level operations and the state’s judiciary funding allocations.

Procedural/timelines

  • Introduced: April 7, 2025.
  • Initial referral: Referred to the Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently (April 7, 2025).
  • Subsequent actions: Rules suspended (August 14, 2025); referred to the committee on The Judiciary (August 14, 2025).
  • Current status: Referred to The Judiciary committee for consideration.

Additional notes

  • The bill text does not specify an effective date beyond the standard phrasing; if enacted, the effective date would follow the normal statutory process unless otherwise stated.
  • Fiscal details (e.g., funding for the additional two assistant clerks) are not enumerated in the bill and would likely be addressed in the judiciary’s budgeting processes or future appropriation measures.

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

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