An Act relative to the membership of the Conservation Commission in the town of Chatham

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hadley Luddy

Chatham may appoint up to three associate members to the Conservation Commission for up to one year to cover absences, conflicts, or vacancies.

Senate concurred

Summary of Bill: H 5524 (Session 194th) — An Act relative to the membership of the Conservation Commission in the town of Chatham

Purpose and intent

This local act authorizes the Town of Chatham to expand the membership of its Conservation Commission temporarily by appointing up to three associate members for short terms.

The goal is to provide flexibility to the Commission by enabling designation of associate members to sit on the commission when a member is absent, unable to act, has a conflict of interest, or when a vacancy exists, until a vacancy is filled under the normal process.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Allowance of associate members

The selectboard of Chatham may appoint up to three associate members to the town’s Conservation Commission.
Terms for associate members can be up to 1 year.
The chairman of the Conservation Commission may designate an associate member to:
Sit on the commission in cases of absence, inability to act, or conflict of interest by a current member.
Sit on the commission in the event of a vacancy, until the vacancy is filled under the standard process (pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 8C).

Section 2: Effective date

The act takes effect upon passage (immediate upon enactment).

Who is affected

The Conservation Commission of the Town of Chatham and, more broadly, town officials (the selectboard) who appoint associate members.

Potentially property owners, developers, and residents engaging with the Conservation Commission, as associate members could participate in discussions and decisions during the specified term or vacancy periods.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Implementation is local to Chatham; this act authorizes an immediate, temporary change in commission staffing without requiring otherwise lengthy statewide procedures.

Associate members can serve up to one year, with designation by the Commission chair in situations of absence, inability, conflict, or vacancy.

Regular appointment and filling of vacancies would continue to follow existing processes under Chapter 40, Section 8C of the General Laws.

Practical impact and considerations

Increased continuity and operational capacity for the Conservation Commission during absences or vacancies.

Provides a mechanism to maintain formal meeting presence and quorum requirements when a member is temporarily unavailable.

The temporary nature (up to one year per associate) ensures oversight and potential transition back to standard full membership, subject to the town’s normal appointment rules.

Note on status

As of the latest action, the bill was referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (June 22, 2026) for consideration.