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H 3271

An Act relative to preserving information content of historic resources with community preservation funds

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Vieira

H 3271 lets CPA funds cover digitization of historic resources, preserving information content and boosting public access through libraries, archives, and museums.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 3271

Summary: H 3271 — An Act relative to preserving information content of historic resources with community preservation funds

Purpose and intent

  • This bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to enhance the preservation of historic resources by explicitly recognizing digitization as a preservation activity.
  • Specifically, it seeks to ensure that digitization of documents and other materials that preserve the information content of historic resources can be funded under the Community Preservation Act (CPA).

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Chapter 44B, Section 2 (Preservation): The bill adds, after the word “destruction,” the following clause: "; and digitization of documents considered historic resources which preserve the information content of the historic resource."
  • Result: Digitization projects that preserve the information content of historic resources would be eligible uses of CPA funds under the definition of Preservation.

What would be affected

  • Local communities administering CPA programs would be able to fund digitization efforts as part of preservation activities for historic resources.
  • Stakeholders likely to engage include municipal historic commissions, archivists, librarians, museums, historical societies, and other organizations responsible for preserving local heritage.
  • Property owners and residents could benefit indirectly through better access to digitized historic information housed by public or quasi-public entities.

Procedural and timeline context

  • Introduction: February 27, 2025 (House Docket No. 1170 / House No. 3271) by Rep. David T. Vieira (Falmouth).
  • Legislative track:
    • Referred to the Committee on Revenue on February 27, 2025. Senate concurrence noted on the same date. Similar matter previously filed as House No. 2972 in the 2023-2024 session.
  • Related actions and hearings:
    • Hearing scheduled: November 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Gardner Auditorium.
    • Earlier hearing events in 2025 included scheduling on July 22 (July 11 notice) and cancellation of a July 14 hearing.
  • Status: Pending consideration in the current (194th) General Court (2025-2026). The bill text indicates a change to the statutory definition of Preservation; no final enactment is noted.

Additional notes

  • The bill is described as an act to preserve the information content of historic resources through digitization, expanding the scope of preservation beyond physical destruction to include modern digitization efforts.
  • The fiscal impact is not specified in the text provided; typical CPA-related costs would depend on local project selection and funding priorities.

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

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