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HD 4704

An Act relative to the recall of any holder of elective office in the city of Chicopee

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Shirley Arriaga

HD 4704: An Act relative to the recall of any holder of elective office in the city of Chicopee OverviewBill Number: HD 4704 Title: An Act relative to the recall of any holder of

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Bill Summary · HD 4704

HD 4704: An Act relative to the recall of any holder of elective office in the city of Chicopee

Overview

Bill Number: HD 4704
Title: An Act relative to the recall of any holder of elective office in the city of Chicopee
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This proposed bill aims to establish a recall process for elected officials in the city of Chicopee. The primary goal is to provide citizens with a mechanism to remove elected representatives from office before the end of their term if there is sufficient public support. The bill's sponsors argue this will increase accountability and responsiveness of local government to the will of the people.

Key Provisions

  • Allows for the recall of any elected official in the city of Chicopee, including the mayor, city council members, and school committee members
  • Requires a petition signed by at least 20% of registered voters in the relevant district or city-wide (depending on the office) to initiate a recall election
  • Mandates a special recall election be held within 90 days of the petition being certified, during which voters would decide whether to recall the official
  • Stipulates that a simple majority vote is required to recall an elected representative
  • Prohibits recalled officials from running in the special election to fill the vacancy they created

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly impact all elected officials in the city of Chicopee, who would face the possibility of recall elections if a sufficient number of constituents petition for it. Voters in the city would gain a new tool to hold their representatives accountable between regular elections.

The bill could increase political instability and uncertainty, as officials may have to divert time and resources to fend off potential recall efforts. There are also concerns that the recall process could be abused for partisan or personal reasons, undermining the stability of local government.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 4704 was introduced in the state legislature on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Election Laws for initial consideration. The committee will hold public hearings and debate the bill before deciding whether to advance it for a full vote in the House of Representatives.

If passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, the recall provisions would immediately take effect in the city of Chicopee. The first potential recall elections could occur as soon as 90 days after the law's enactment, depending on when citizen petitions are filed and certified.

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

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