An Act relative to the composition of the licensing board for the city of Salem

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Manny Cruz and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 4007 restructures Salem's licensing board to include three regular members and one alternate, enhancing governance and efficiency in local licensing matters.

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 46 of the Acts of 2026

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4007 aims to modify the composition of the licensing board for the city of Salem, Massachusetts. The primary intent is to establish a new structure for the board that includes three regular members and one alternate member, all appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. This change seeks to enhance the governance and operational efficiency of the licensing board.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

Composition of the Board:

The licensing board will consist of three regular members and one alternate member.
All members are to be appointed by the mayor of Salem, with appointments subject to confirmation by the city council.

Terms of Service:

Each regular member will serve a term of three years.
The alternate member will initially serve a term of one year, after which subsequent appointments will also be for three years.

Role of the Alternate Member:

The alternate member will step in as a regular member whenever a regular member is unable to attend a meeting.

Transition for Current Members:

Existing members of the licensing board at the time the act becomes effective will continue to serve for a period of three years or until the expiration of their current term, whichever is shorter.

Affected Parties

City of Salem: The bill directly impacts the governance structure of the city’s licensing board, which oversees various licensing matters.

Mayor and City Council: The mayor will have increased authority in appointing board members, while the city council retains its role in confirming those appointments.

Current Board Members: Existing members will transition to the new structure without immediate disruption to their service.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: The bill was introduced on April 7, 2025.

Committee Actions: It has been reported favorably by the committee and referred to the House Steering, Policy and Scheduling committee as of November 13, 2025.

Hearing Scheduled: A hearing was scheduled for October 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, allowing for written testimony only.

Local Approval: The bill has received local approval from the mayor and city council, indicating support from local governance.

Conclusion

Bill H 4007 represents a significant change in the structure of the licensing board for the city of Salem, aiming to streamline its operations and clarify the appointment process for board members. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process, with favorable committee reports indicating potential for passage.

Bill