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S 522

Charleston County Aviation Authority

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chip Campsen and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires registrar boards to reflect the two leading political parties plus unenrolled voters, with a cap of two members per party/designation, to prevent single-party dom

Act No. 76
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Bill Summary · S 522

Summary — S.522: "An Act relative to the board of registrars"

Status: Introduced (filed 01/17/2025); read twice and referred to committee (02/11/2025). Referred to various committees and reported favorably by committee (07/31/2025). Currently listed as REFERRED TO EDUCATION.

Sponsor (bill text): Senator Jason M. Lewis (Fifth Middlesex). Additional sponsor list provided in source materials appears to include many federal names; primary sponsor in the bill document is Jason M. Lewis.

Purpose / Intent

The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 51, by replacing Section 18 to clarify and codify how municipal boards of registrars of voters are to be constituted. The intent is to ensure municipal registrars’ boards include representation from the two leading political parties and unenrolled voters, and to limit dominance by any single party or designation.

Key provisions

  • Replaces existing Section 18 of Chapter 51 with new appointment requirements for registrars of voters.
  • Composition requirement:
    • Registrars shall be appointed so that, as nearly as possible, the board represents the two leading political parties and voters with an “unenrolled” designation (as defined in section 1 of chapter 50 and section 38 of chapter 53).
    • A city or town clerk serving on the registrars’ board is not required to be enrolled in a political party.
    • No appointment shall cause the board to include more than two members from any established political party or political designation in the Commonwealth — this cap applies inclusive of the city or town clerk if they are a member of a party/designation.

Who is affected

  • Municipal boards of registrars of voters across Massachusetts.
  • City and town officials responsible for appointing registrar members (mayors, boards of selectmen, city councils, etc.).
  • Municipal clerks who serve on registrars’ boards (clarifies they need not be party-enrolled).
  • Voters and political parties, insofar as board composition and appointment practices may change.

Practical impact

  • Tightens statutory guidance on partisan balance for registrars’ boards; may require municipalities to adjust appointment practices to meet the “two leading parties plus unenrolled” distribution and the maximum of two members per party/designation.
  • Limits potential for single-party control of registrars’ boards.
  • Gives explicit statutory protection for unenrolled voters to be represented on registrars’ boards.
  • Municipalities with small boards may need to interpret “as nearly as possible” and the two-member cap when making future appointments or filling vacancies.

Legislative timeline & procedural notes (from source)

  • Filed: 01/17/2025 (Senate docket No. 2358)
  • Introduced/Read twice and referred: 02/11/2025
  • Referred to committees including Election Laws and (per source) Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs and Education (record shows multiple referrals; records appear inconsistent)
  • Hearing scheduled: 06/17/2025 (per committee notice)
  • Reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Rules: 07/31/2025

Related bills

  • SD 2358 (replaces)
  • S 5978, S 548, S 2292 (prior-session)
  • A 6882 (companion)

Notes: The source materials include an extended sponsor list that appears inconsistent with the Massachusetts bill text (many names are U.S. Senators). The primary author in the bill text is Senator Jason M. Lewis; readers should consult the official Massachusetts legislative website for definitive sponsor/co-sponsor information and the most current status.

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

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