Summary of Bill S 2648: An Act Changing the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Boylston to Select Board

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2648 aims to change the designation of the executive body of the town of Boylston from "board of selectmen" to "select board." This change reflects a more inclusive terminology and aligns with similar legislative trends across various municipalities in Massachusetts.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant provisions:

1. Name Change:

   • The executive body previously known as the board of selectmen will now be referred to as the select board.
   • Members of the select board will be called select board members, and the chair will be referred to as the chair instead of the chairman.

2. Amendment Authority:

   • The select board will have the authority to amend the town's general by-laws and zoning by-laws. This includes revising all references to the board of selectmen, its members, and its chair to reflect the new terminology.
   • These amendments can be made by a majority vote of the select board, notwithstanding certain sections of the General Laws.

3. Effective Date:

   • The act will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Affected Parties

• Town of Boylston: The primary entity affected by this bill is the town of Boylston, specifically its governance structure.
• Local Government Officials: Current and future members of the select board will be impacted by the change in titles and the associated responsibilities.

Legislative Process and Timeline

• Introduced: October 14, 2025
• Referred to Committee: The bill was referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government on the same day it was introduced.
• House Concurrence: The House concurred with the bill on October 15, 2025.
• Hearing Scheduled: A hearing is set for October 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, where written testimony will be accepted.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by:
- Robyn K. Kennedy (First Worcester)
- Meghan K. Kilcoyne (12th Worcester)

Conclusion

Bill S 2648 represents a significant step towards modernizing the governance terminology in Boylston, promoting inclusivity in local government. By changing the title from board of selectmen to select board, the bill aligns with contemporary practices and enhances the representation of all community members. The legislative process is underway, with a hearing scheduled to gather further input from the public and stakeholders.