WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 3490

An Act relative to a license for the use of certain state land by the town of Southwick

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nick Boldyga

Authorizes a renewable 5-year license for DCAMM and the Town of Southwick to use the North Pond boat ramp parking; not a land disposition or subject to Article 97.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 3490

Summary: An Act relative to a license for the use of certain state land by the town of Southwick (HD 3490)

Overview

This bill would authorize the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and the Town of Southwick to enter into a license granting the town the right to use the North Pond boat ramp on Point Grove Road for parking purposes. The license would be for a renewable term of five years. The bill clarifies that this license is not a disposition of Commonwealth land and would not be subject to Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution or to section 5A of chapter 3 of the General Laws.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Authorization for a license between DCAMM and the Town of Southwick to use the North Pond boat ramp parking area for a renewable 5-year term.
  • Section 2: The license does not constitute a land disposition, and is not subject to Article 97 or to section 5A of chapter 3 of the General Laws.
  • The bill would be enacted as a statewide statute, permitting the license to proceed upon passage.

Who/What is Affected

  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts (DCAMM) and the North Pond boat ramp site in Southwick.
  • Town of Southwick (local government and residents/boaters who use the ramp and parking area).
  • General public seeking access to parking and boating facilities at the North Pond ramp, subject to the license terms.

Land and Legal Status

  • The license is explicitly not a transfer or sale of state land; it remains a license arrangement rather than a conveyance.
  • Not subject to Article 97 protections (which govern the transfer or dedication of state land for public uses) or to section 5A of chapter 3 (related to certain land uses and management). This maintains flexibility for the license arrangement without triggering those constitutional protections.

Term, Renewal, and Conditions

  • Initial license term: 5 years, renewable.
  • Details such as fees, maintenance responsibilities, liability, and specific parking allocations are not provided in the bill text and would typically be established in the license agreement.

Procedural and Timeline Context

  • Filed/Introduced as a joint petition by Rep. Nicholas A. Boldyga (Southwick) and Sen. Paul W. Mark.
  • Related matter filed previously (HB 4944 in the 2023-2024 session), indicating prior legislative interest in a similar licensing arrangement.
  • Committee: State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (the bill would be considered by this committee as part of the normal process to advance or amend the proposal).
  • Current status in the provided material is a proposed bill; no final passage status is given.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Local access: Enables Southwick to provide or manage parking near the North Pond ramp, potentially benefiting boaters and visitors.
  • Constitutional/land use: Avoids triggering Article 97 implications, keeping a flexible administrative arrangement rather than a land conveyance.
  • Fiscal: The bill does not specify license fees or funding terms; such terms would be determined in the actual license agreement.
  • Public liability and maintenance: The license would outline responsibilities, insurance, and liability considerations typically associated with license arrangements for state land.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison to similar past bills or draft a concise one-page briefing for policymakers.

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

Sign in to ask a question.