Bill
HD 4714
Lynn adopts a standalone Lynn Special Act Charter establishing 11 councilors (4 at-large, 7 ward) and a clear executive/legislative separation to boost local self-government.
Overview
- This bill proposes a comprehensive revision of the City of Lynn’s charter, creating a standalone Lynn Special Act Charter. The preamble frames the measure as advancing local self-government, accountability, and stronger democratic participation.
- The changes are framed as a home-rule charter designed to empower the city by reorganizing its government structure and clarifying powers and procedures.
Key Provisions (as presented in the bill text)
- Short Title: The instrument shall be known as the Lynn Special Act Charter.
- Government Structure (Article 1):
- The city’s government is organized into two branches: Executive (Mayor) and Legislative (City Council). The executive may not wield legislative power, and the legislative branch may not exercise executive power.
- The powers of the city are to be construed liberally in favor of the city; specific listing of powers is not intended to limit broader authority.
- Intergovernmental relations: Lynn may act in concert with the state, other municipalities, federal entities, or private contractors to exercise powers or perform functions, subject to constitutional/statutory limits.
- Definitions (Article 1, Section 1-7):
- Clear definitions for terms such as City, City Agency, City Officer, Emergency, Measure, Referendum Measure, Voters, Multiple Member Body, and Local Newspaper, among others.
- Legislative Branch (Article 2):
- Composition: A City Council of 11 members.
- 4 at-large councilors, elected by the entire city.
- 7 ward councilors, elected by the residents of each of the seven city wards (one per ward).
- Eligibility and Terms: Any registered voter may be a councilor. Ward councilors may continue to serve until the end of their term even if they move within the city during that term.
- Term Length: Councilors’ terms are 2 years, beginning on the first business day of January (text indicates this but is truncated in the version provided).
- Additional sections beyond Article 2 and the full charter text are not visible in the excerpt provided, but the plan establishes a full home-rule charter with analogous provisions likely covering elections, budgeting, ethics, city officers, and other typical charter elements.
Who Would Be Affected
- The City of Lynn and its residents, who would adopt a new framework for city government.
- The City Council, voters, and ward residents who would elect a total of 11 councilors (4 at-large and 7 by ward) under 2-year terms.
- City agencies, officers, and departments, which would operate under the new charter’s definitions and power framework.
- The charter expressly contemplates interactions with the state, federal government, and other governmental entities through intergovernmental cooperation.
Process and Timeline
- Introduced: November 29, 2025.
- Filed: May 15, 2025 (House Docket No. 4714; Petition by Rep. Cahill with local approval noted).
- Status: Local approval received is indicated in the bill’s filing notes; final Commonwealth-wide enactment would require passage by the Massachusetts General Court and any required local approvals or follow-on steps per state law for local charters.
Notes
- The available text shows the core framework (executive/legislative separation, liberal construction of powers, intergovernmental authority, and a specific 11-member council composition) but does not present the full range of sections (e.g., detailed budgeting, ethics, elections, referenda). Readers should consult the full bill for all provisions andRelated timelines.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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