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HD 6122

An Act providing for the appointment of associate members of the Planning Board of the town of Tisbury to fill vacancies on the board

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Thomas Moakley

Authorizes appointing associate members to Tisbury Planning Board to fill vacancies, ensuring continuity in planning and quasijudicial decisions.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 6122

Overview

Bill HD 6122 from the 194th Massachusetts Legislature proposes a structural change to the Town of Tisbury’s Planning Board by enabling the appointment of associate members to fill vacancies on the board.

  • Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
  • Session: 194th
  • Title: An Act providing for the appointment of associate members of the Planning Board of the town of Tisbury to fill vacancies on the board
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsor Thomas Moakley

Main purpose and intent

The bill aims to authorize a mechanism for appointing associate (nonvoting or alternate) members to the Town of Tisbury Planning Board specifically to fill vacancies that arise on the board. The intended effect is to ensure continuity and administrative continuity in planning activities and quasijudicial decision-making by providing interim or ongoing support when a full member seat is vacant.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authorization of associate members: The bill would permit the Town of Tisbury to appoint associate members to the Planning Board.
  • Filling vacancies: Associate members are designated to fill vacancies on the Planning Board, ensuring that the board maintains functional membership during vacancies.
  • Role and authority (typical expectations): While the bill text provided does not include detailed procedural language, associate members in similar municipal settings generally participate in meetings and planning activities with a defined scope, often without voting rights on certain matters or with limited voting rights, depending on local by-law provisions. The bill would set the framework for appointment and the vacancy-filling function, with specifics likely governed by town by-laws and state statutes.
  • Oversight and terms: The bill would establish or authorize terms for associate members and the process by which they are appointed, potentially including eligibility criteria, the duration of service to fill a vacancy, and any conditions for removal or replacement.

Who would be affected

  • Town of Tisbury Planning Board: The primary governance body affected, gaining the ability to appoint associate members to cover vacancies.
  • Town governance and administration: Town officials responsible for appointments and by-law alignment would implement this change.
  • Residents and developers: Planning board operations impact land-use decisions, site plan reviews, special permits, and other planning activities; continuity in board membership could affect timelines and outcomes of planning processes.
  • Potential appointees: Individuals who could serve as associate members would be subject to appointment processes and any eligibility requirements established by town by-laws and state law.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Enabling legislation: The bill would authorize a procedural framework at the town level for appointing associate members and filling vacancies.
  • Appointment process: Likely to be determined by the Town of Tisbury’s selectboard or equivalent appointing authority, consistent with existing municipal procedures.
  • Term length and renewal: The act would specify terms for associate members and whether roles are temporary (to cover a vacancy) or subject to renewal.
  • Compatibility with existing bylaws: The town would need to ensure its planning board by-laws align with the act, including voting rights and quorum considerations for associate members.
  • Transition: If vacancies currently hinder board functionality, the act could provide a mechanism to mitigate disruption immediately upon effective date.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Continuity of planning operations: By filling vacancies, meetings, reviews, and decisions may proceed with fewer delays.
  • Clarity of authority: Clear statutory authorization helps prevent ambiguity about who can serve as associate members and what powers they hold.
  • Impact on decision-making: Depending on voting rights assigned to associate members, there could be changes in deliberation dynamics and timelines.

Notes: The provided text outlines the bill’s basic purpose and sponsorship. For a complete understanding, reviewing the full bill text, accompanying committee reports, and any adopted by-laws of Tisbury would clarify voting rights, term lengths, appointment procedures, and the exact scope of authority for associate members.

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

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