Bill
H 4170
Marlborough Ward 7 vacancy filled by appointing the 2025 Ward 7 winner to serve the remainder of the term, bypassing a special election; takes effect immediately.
Status: Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2025 (signed by the Governor)
Purpose and intent
- The bill provides a mechanism to fill a vacancy in the office of Ward 7 city councilor in Marlborough without a special municipal election. It directs the Marlborough City Council to appoint the person who was elected to Ward 7 councilor in the regular 2025 municipal election to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
- It overrides the general statutory rule (Section 59A of Chapter 43 and related provisions) that would normally govern how to fill a vacancy.
Key provisions
- Section 1: Notwithstanding Section 59A of Chapter 43 or any other law, the current vacancy in Ward 7 shall not be filled by a special municipal election. Instead, the Marlborough City Council, by a majority vote, shall appoint the person elected to Ward 7 councilor at the regular 2025 municipal election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
- Section 2: Take effect upon passage (immediate effect once enacted and signed).
Who is affected
- The City of Marlborough, specifically Ward 7.
- The current Ward 7 councilor vacancy (addressed by appointment rather than election).
- The elected Ward 7 councilor from the 2025 municipal election (the individual to be appointed to fill the remaining term under the bill).
Procedural and timeline notes
- The bill originated in the House (Docket No. 4736) and was advanced through the traditional legislative process, including committee review and floor action.
- Final status: Enacted and signed into law as Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2025. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.
- The bill is categorized as a local option/local approval measure (per the “Local Approval Received” designation), rather than a broad statewide reform.
Impact and considerations
- Pros: Ensures continuity of representation for Ward 7 without the delays and costs of a special election; aligns the appointment with the outcome of the 2025 municipal election.
- Cons: Removes the direct public vote for the vacancy in this instance, shifting the appointment authority to the City Council.
- Fiscal: No explicit appropriation or fiscal impact stated in the bill; procedural change rather than a funding change.
Context
- House Docket 4736, introduced by Reps. Gregoire and Gentile with potential approval by Marlborough’s mayor and city council; related to the broader topic of election laws for vacancies and local governance.
Note: This summary focuses on the substantive provisions, effects, and procedural aspects of the bill as enacted.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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