Bill
H 3899
Authorizes Norfolk, MA, to bill for reserved wastewater capacity pro rata to allocations, regardless of actual sewer use, and allows transfer/sale of capacity with town approval.
Note: The source materials provided appear to combine two distinct items under the same bill number: (A) a Massachusetts local act titled “An Act authorizing reserved capacity billing in the town of Norfolk” (text and sponsors: Rep. Marcus S. Vaughn and Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch), and (B) a ceremonial House resolution honoring Bishop Tommy William Sanders (South Carolina). The summary below describes both items and highlights procedural information and potential impacts.
Purpose
- To authorize the Town of Norfolk (select board acting as sewer commission) to assess and collect annual charges based on reserved wastewater treatment capacity allocations, regardless of whether a parcel is connected to the sewer or its actual water/wastewater use.
Key provisions
- Section 1: Amends section 4 of chapter 354 of the Acts of 2022 by inserting “, or this act” after “said chapter 83” (technical amendatory language).
- Section 2: Amends section 6 of chapter 354 to permit the select board to assess and collect annual charges pro rata to all customers holding reserved capacity for the Norfolk wastewater treatment plant, based on allocated capacity (not on connection status or actual use). The town may use the same collection remedies available for rates/charges under sections 16A–16F of chapter 83.
- Section 3 (new Section 9A): Allows a property owner to sell or transfer its allocation of capacity to another parcel within the town center wastewater service area, subject to select board approval.
Who is affected
- Property owners with reserved capacity allocations (whether or not connected to sewer).
- The Town of Norfolk (select board acting as sewer commission) — gains billing and collection authority.
- Potential developers and buyers in Norfolk’s town center wastewater service area (capacity may be tradable subject to approval).
Potential impacts
- Provides the town a predictable revenue mechanism to fund wastewater services and to manage reserved capacity.
- May impose annual costs on property owners holding reserved capacity even if not currently connected or using sewer service.
- Introduces flexibility via transfer/sale of capacity allocations, which could affect development patterns and local property transactions.
Procedural/timeline notes (from docket)
- Filed/added: 2/19/2025 (House docket no. 4437 / House no. 3899).
- Sponsors: Rep. Marcus S. Vaughn (9th Norfolk); Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch.
- Petition indicates local (town) vote/approval was received.
- Committee referrals and subsequent actions are recorded (committee hearings and favorable reports noted; some entries show later readings and Senate concurrence on 06/12/2025). Source contains duplicated action entries.
Purpose
- A ceremonial resolution remembering and honoring the life and ministry of Bishop Tommy William Sanders (b. Sept. 14, 1946 — d. March 3, 2020), pastor of The Holy Place Church in Chester.
Key points
- Notes Sanders’ founding of The Holy Place Church in 1990 with his wife Mary; his long pastoral service (30+ years); role as administrator of Holy Place Academy and co-owner of Love and Joy Daycare Center; and family life (married 54 years).
- Resolves that the House remembers his legacy and that a copy of the resolution be presented to his family.
Effect
- Ceremonial/expressive only — no legal or policy effect.
Procedural note
- Document lists the resolution as “introduced and adopted” (dates and drafting information appear in the source). The draft language appears duplicated in the provided text.
If you want, I can:
- Extract and format just the Massachusetts act text into a plain legislative summary suitable for local stakeholders, or
- Prepare a one-page ceremonial resolution brief for distribution to the Sanders family or a local newspaper.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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