WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 4537

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Manny Cruz

Salem would have a 4-member licensing board (3 regular, 1 alternate) with mayoral appointments, 3-year terms, and the alternate serving in absences.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 4537

Summary: An Act relative to the composition of the licensing board for the city of Salem (HD 4537)

Purpose

This bill proposes to change and standardize the composition and membership terms of Salem’s licensing board. The aim is to create a 4-person licensing board (3 regular members plus 1 alternate) appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Salem City Council, with clearly defined term lengths and alternates' duties.

What the bill would do

  • Redefine the licensing board for Salem to consist of:
    • 3 regular members
    • 1 alternate member
  • Require mayoral appointments for all board positions, with confirmation by the City Council.
  • Set terms at 3 years for regular members.
  • Create a new process for an alternate member:
    • The mayor would appoint 1 alternate member with a 1-year initial term (subject to City Council confirmation).
    • After the initial year, the alternate would then serve terms of 3 years.
  • Provide that the alternate member serves as a regular member whenever a regular member is unable to attend a meeting.
  • Preserve existing board members on the effective date of the act for the remainder of their current terms (up to 3 years, or the term’s expiry if sooner).
  • Override, for Salem’s licensing board composition, the general provision in Chapter 138, Section 4 of the General Laws, to the extent it would limit the number of board members.

Key provisions and details

  • Section 1: Establishes a 3-member licensing board plus 1 alternate, all appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council; each member serves a 3-year term.
  • Section 2: On the act’s effective date, the mayor appoints 1 alternate member (1-year initial term; thereafter 3-year terms).
  • Section 3: The alternate may serve as a regular member when a regular member cannot attend.
  • Section 4: Current (as of the act’s effective date) licensing board members continue to serve for up to 3 years or until their term expires, whichever is shorter.

Affected parties

  • The City of Salem’s licensing board and its prospective members.
  • The Mayor (appointing authority) and the Salem City Council (confirming authority).
  • Current board members who would transition under the new term framework.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Status: The bill is a proposed local bill filed in the 2025-2026 General Court session (Salem-specific licensing board reform).
  • Local approval: The bill indicates local approval by the city (approval sought through the mayor and city council).
  • Effective date: The act references an “effective date” but does not specify a calendar date; the provisions take effect upon the act’s effective date, with transitional rules applying to current members.

Overall impact

If enacted, Salem would operate a 4-person licensing board (3 regular members and 1 alternate) with standardized 3-year terms, a clearly defined initial 1-year term for the alternate, and a mechanism for the alternate to step in during absences. The reform would adjust appointment and confirmation processes and supersede a corresponding provision under General Laws to set the local board size.

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

Sign in to ask a question.