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S 23

An act relating to the use of synthetic media in elections

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alison Clarkson and 6 co-sponsors

Authorizes Swampscott to appoint up to two alternate Conservation Commission members to keep quorums and continuity when regular members are absent, disqualified, or vacant.

Senate Message: Signed by Governor March 5, 2026
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Bill Summary · S 23

Summary — S 23 (Senate Docket No. 2641)

An Act enabling the appointment of alternates to the Swampscott Conservation Commission

Purpose

This local act authorizes the Town of Swampscott to appoint alternate members to its Conservation Commission. The intent is to provide the commission with designated alternates who can serve temporarily when regular members are absent, disqualified, or when vacancies exist—helping preserve quorums and continuity in the commission’s work.

Key provisions

  • Overrides Section 8C of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws for the Town of Swampscott.
  • Authorizes the Select Board to appoint up to two (2) alternate members of the Swampscott Conservation Commission.
  • Alternate members’ terms may be for up to three (3) years.
  • The Chair of the Conservation Commission may designate an alternate to sit and act in place of a regular member when that member is absent, unable to act, has a conflict of interest, or when there is a vacancy; an alternate may serve in that role until the vacancy is filled.
  • This is a locally requested/approved measure (Municipal Approval Received).

Who is affected

  • Primary: Town of Swampscott — Select Board, Conservation Commission, and applicants/permittees before the commission.
  • Secondary: Residents, property owners, and developers interacting with the Conservation Commission (procedural timing and quorum reliability may change).
  • No statewide change — the act applies specifically to Swampscott.

Procedural timeline / status

  • Introduced in the Massachusetts Senate: January 7, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 2641).
  • Committee referrals, hearings, and readings occurred throughout 2025.
  • Reported favorably and advanced through both branches.
  • Enacted as Chapter 63 of the Acts of 2025 (Governor’s signature and enactment actions recorded in November 2025).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Likely benefits: improved ability to maintain quorums, reduced delays in hearings and decisions, and continuity during absences or temporary disqualifications.
  • Administrative considerations: selection criteria, orientation/training for alternates, voting rules when alternates sit, and public notice requirements when alternates participate.
  • Governance/oversight: because the act overrides a state statute for this locality, implementation relies on town procedures (Select Board appointment process) and may warrant local policy or bylaw updates to clarify alternates’ roles.

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

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