Bill
HD 5029
HD 5029: An Act relative to the charter of the town of Swampscott establishing a fall annual town meetingOverview- Bill Number: HD 5029- Title: An Act relative to the charter of th
Overview
- Bill Number: HD 5029
- Title: An Act relative to the charter of the town of Swampscott establishing a fall annual town meeting
- Status: Proposed bill
- Introduced: February 02, 2026
Purpose and Intent
This bill seeks to amend the town charter of Swampscott, Massachusetts to establish a new annual town meeting to be held in the fall, in addition to the existing spring town meeting. The primary goal is to provide more opportunities for civic engagement and public input on town affairs and budgeting.
Key Provisions
- Adds a new annual town meeting to be held in the fall, in addition to the existing spring town meeting
- The fall town meeting will be held on the second Monday of October each year
- The fall town meeting will have the same powers and responsibilities as the spring town meeting, including voting on the town budget, bylaws, and other municipal matters
- Requires the town to publish the warrant for the fall town meeting at least 14 days prior to the meeting date
- Allows for special town meetings to be called by the Board of Selectmen or by citizen petition, as is the current practice
Affected Parties and Impacts
- All residents of the town of Swampscott would be impacted, as they would have an additional opportunity to participate in the town's legislative process
- Town officials, including the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, and other departments, would need to adjust their annual planning and budgeting timelines to accommodate the new fall town meeting
- Local businesses and organizations may need to adapt their schedules and plans to account for the additional town meeting
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
If passed, this bill would take effect immediately upon enactment. The first fall town meeting under the new charter would be held in October 2026. The town would need to update its bylaws and procedures to integrate the new fall town meeting into its annual governance cycle.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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