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H 1669

An Act relative to the effective enforcement of municipal ordinances and by-laws

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 11 co-sponsors

H 1669 - An Act relative to the effective enforcement of municipal ordinances and by-laws OverviewBill Number: H 1669 Title: An Act relative to the effective enforcement of munici

Accompanied a new draft, see H4635
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Bill Summary · H 1669

H 1669 - An Act relative to the effective enforcement of municipal ordinances and by-laws

Overview

Bill Number: H 1669
Title: An Act relative to the effective enforcement of municipal ordinances and by-laws
Status: Accompanied a new draft, see H4635
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to strengthen the ability of municipalities to effectively enforce their local ordinances and by-laws. The legislation is intended to provide cities and towns with additional tools and authority to ensure compliance with their own rules and regulations, which can vary widely across the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

  • Allows municipalities to impose civil penalties, including daily fines, for violations of local ordinances and by-laws
  • Authorizes municipalities to record liens on property for unpaid fines related to code enforcement
  • Grants municipal inspectors the ability to issue citations and tickets for violations, similar to police officers
  • Requires municipalities to establish an administrative hearing process to adjudicate alleged violations
  • Permits municipalities to recover reasonable attorney's fees and court costs when successfully prosecuting violations

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Municipalities would gain enhanced enforcement powers to address issues like zoning, sanitation, public safety, and other local regulations
  • Property owners and residents would be subject to potential fines and liens for non-compliance with municipal ordinances
  • Municipal inspectors and code enforcement officials would have expanded authority to issue citations and pursue violations

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill was originally filed in the 2025-2026 legislative session and has been accompanied by a new draft, H4635, which is currently under consideration by the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. If enacted, the provisions of this legislation would take effect 90 days after passage.

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

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