WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 5379

An Act relating to the transfer of interest in land in West Brookfield

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume

The bill authorizes transferring permanent and temporary easements on MassWildlife land at 652 West Main Street, West Brookfield, to support conservation, habitat protection, and p

Read, rules suspended, read second and ordered to a third reading
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 5379

Summary of Bill H. 5379 (Session 194th) – Massachusetts

Title

An Act relating to the transfer of interest in land in West Brookfield

Purpose and Intent

This bill amends existing legislation to authorize the transfer of certain interests in land in the town of West Brookfield. Specifically, it clarifies and expands the scope of easements that may be transferred or conveyed, including permanent and temporary easements related to land owned by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (MassWildlife) acquired for conservation, habitat protection, and public recreation.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Section 2 of Chapter 132 of the Acts of 2022: The bill adds language at the end of the first sentence to include:

    • “certain permanent and temporary easements shown on the property identified as 652 West Main Street on the plans referenced in section 1, as may be amended,”
    • The land is located on land owned by the Department of Fish and Game (MassWildlife) as part of an order of taking dated May 31, 2023.
    • The purpose of the land acquisition is for fish and wildlife conservation, natural habitat protection, and associated public recreation.

  • Land Status and Source: The easements pertain to land acquired under an order of taking dated May 31, 2023, recorded with the Worcester district registry of deeds (Book 69239, Page 355).

  • Location: 652 West Main Street, West Brookfield, Massachusetts.

  • Scope of Easements: Both permanent and temporary easements associated with the land identified on the referenced plans.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (MassWildlife): The land remains under MassWildlife ownership for conservation and habitat protection, with clarified authority to transfer related easements.
  • West Brookfield Property/Plans: Parcels and plans associated with 652 West Main Street are expressly referenced for the transfer of easements.
  • Public Interest Users: The changes facilitate conservation, wildlife habitat protection, and related public recreation by enabling the transfer of needed easements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Legislative Action: The bill passed through the Senate with concurrent sponsorship and is part of a municipal/regional governance mechanism. The action history shows:
    • Referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (April 15, 2026)
    • Senate concurrence (April 16, 2026)

Practical Impact

  • Provides a statutory basis to formalize and possibly broaden the transfer of easements (both permanent and temporary) tied to a specific MassWildlife-related property at 652 West Main Street, West Brookfield.
  • Aims to support ongoing conservation, habitat protection, and public recreation objectives by ensuring legal clarity around easement transfers connected to the 2023 order of taking.

Notable Details

  • The bill explicitly ties the easement transfer to plans referenced in the relevant section and to MassWildlife land acquired for conservation purposes.
  • It references a specific order of taking and registry details to ensure precise identification of the land and easements involved.

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

Sign in to ask a question.