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H 4444

Fireman Landon "Cale" Bodie Memorial Highway

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cal Forrest

Swampscott could grant a local real property tax exemption for disabled residents (SSA-approved), age 69 or younger with 10+ years in town, under town-approved limits.

Recalled from Committee on Transportation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4444

Summary of H.4444: An Act relative to a real property exemption for disabled persons in the town of Swampscott

Overview

H.4444, introduced August 25, 2025 and now Senate-concurred, would authorize the Town of Swampscott to grant a real property tax exemption for disabled residents who meet specific residency and disability criteria. The bill is an enabling local-option measure tied to the state’s property tax exemption framework (Clause Forty-first C of section 5 of Chapter 59) and would apply alongside, not replace, existing state provisions.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Authorization to grant the Clause Forty-first C exemption to disabled applicants who are 69 years old or younger and who have resided in Swampscott for at least 10 consecutive years immediately prior to applying. Applicants must still meet all other qualifications under Clause Forty-first C.
    • The exemption amount and any income/estate qualification thresholds would be the same as those approved by the town for other eligible applicants.
    • For purposes of the act, “disabled” means individuals who have obtained a disability determination from the Social Security Administration prior to application.
  • Section 2: Town Meeting flexibility. At any time after the act’s effective date, an annual Swampscott town meeting may elect not to provide the exemption in the coming fiscal year. The exemption, if not removed, remains in place until reauthorized by a future town meeting. The standard Clause Forty-first C framework continues to apply except as modified by this act.
  • Section 3: Effective date. The act takes effect upon passage.

Eligibility and Impact

  • Who is eligible: Swampscott residents who are disabled (per SSA determination), 69 or younger, with at least 10 consecutive years of residence in Swampscott prior to applying.
  • What changes: Local control is granted to Swampscott to offer this exemption (with town-set amounts and income/estate limits) to a broader subset of disabled residents than might otherwise qualify under a blanket statewide rule.
  • Impact: Potentially lower property tax bills for qualifying homeowners, subject to local thresholds and annual town approval.

Administrative and Timeline Details

  • Local approval: The bill is structured to require local adoption/approval by Swampscott’s town government, with the option to discontinue annually.
  • Legislative status: Referred to the House Committee on Revenue (Aug 25, 2025); Senate concurred (Aug 28, 2025). The bill is “Local Approval Received,” indicating local participation is a prerequisite for implementation.
  • Next steps: If signed, Swampscott would implement the exemption under the act’s terms; annual town meetings would determine ongoing applicability.

Related Information

  • Related bill: HD 5030 (replaces the measure in some form).
  • Classification: Local option real property tax exemption measure specific to Swampscott.

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

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