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HD 5215

An Act relative to the Monson select board

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brian Ashe

Expands Monson's select board from 3 to 5, initiates staggered terms (3-year, 2-year, 1-year for the top 3 vote-getters) and annual chair selection, with 3-year terms thereafter.

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Bill Summary · HD 5215

Summary of HD 5215: An Act relative to the Monson select board

Purpose and sponsors

  • Purpose: To reform Monson’s town governance by expanding the select board from 3 to 5 members and establishing a defined, staggered election schedule and chair selection process.
  • Filed by: Representatives Brian M. Ashe (Longmeadow) and Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. (Springfield)
  • Introduction/Document details: House Docket No. 5215, accompanying petition for local approval. The bill is included in the 2025-2026 General Court session materials. The official text indicates local approval has been received for this proposal.

Key provisions

1) Increase in board size and chair appointment
- The Monson select board would be expanded from 3 members to 5 members.
- The board must annually select a chairperson from among its members.

2) Initial and subsequent term structure
- At the first annual town election occurring after the bill’s passage, 3 select board seats would be up for election.
- Term lengths for those three seats would be allocated by vote totals in the following way:
- Highest vote-getter: 3-year term
- Second-highest vote-getter: 2-year term
- Third-highest vote-getter: 1-year term
- After the initial cycle, all future select board seats would be elected to 3-year terms as terms expire.

3) Effective date
- The act would take effect upon passage.

Affected parties and scope

  • Affected entity: The Town of Monson and its residents, through the local government structure.
  • Impact on governance: Expands regional representation on the select board, introduces a staggered election framework, and requires annual chair selection from among board members.

Implementation timeline and procedural notes

  • First election trigger: The next annual town election after enactment would be the first opportunity to elect three new board members under the 5-member configuration.
  • Terms following initial election: Once the initial 3-year/2-year/1-year cycle is completed, subsequent terms would be standardized to 3 years.
  • Legal form: The text specifies “addressing the Monson select board,” with a provision for local approval; the current record indicates local approval has been received, suggesting local readiness to adopt if the state statute allows.

Potential impacts to consider

  • Representation: Increased board size may broaden local representation and oversight.
  • Stability and leadership: Annual chair selection provides flexibility in leadership but may affect continuity.
  • Municipal operations: More board members could influence meeting dynamics, budget discussions, and policy implementation.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text as filed, including key structural changes (from 3 to 5 members), the election sequencing, and the immediate and ongoing term framework.

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

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