All Roll Calls
Yes: 11 • No: 0
MassachusettsH 2268194th General Court (2025-2026)HouseWALLET
An Act Bridgewater town charter article II, legislative branch section 2-13(a) annual stipend
Sponsored By: Dennis C. Gallagher (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Municipalities and Regional GovernmentHouse Steering, Policy and Scheduling
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Fixed stipends for Bridgewater councilors
Each Town Council member gets $5,000 a year, paid after the year ends. The Council President gets $7,500, also paid in arrears. Incumbent councilors earn the year’s stipend as of each annual Town Election Day. If you win a special election or are appointed mid‑year, you get a pro‑rated share from your start date. If you leave office, you get a pro‑rated share through your last day.
No town benefits for councilors
Council members are not eligible for town benefits. This applies even if they receive the stipend.
Limits on changing council pay
The Town Council can change stipends by ordinance. Any raise or cut cannot take effect in the year it is voted. No changes are allowed between a council election and when the new council is sworn in. Changes must follow state law (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 39, Section 6A).
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Dennis C. Gallagher
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
committee vote • 7/2/2025
Committee Favorable: Ought to Pass
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2026
2/12/2026Enacted and laid before the Governor
2/9/2026SenateEnacted
2/9/2026HouseRead third (title changed) and passed to be engrossed
2/5/2026SenateTaken out of the Orders of the Day
2/5/2026SenateRead, rules suspended, read second and ordered to a third reading
10/2/2025SenateRead third (title changed), amended and passed to be engrossed
9/29/2025HouseRead second and ordered to a third reading
7/23/2025HouseRules suspended
7/23/2025HouseCommittee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
7/23/2025HouseBill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
7/10/2025HouseHearing scheduled for 05/13/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1
5/5/2025legislatureSenate concurred
2/27/2025SenateReferred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
2/27/2025House
Bill Text
Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2026
2/12/2026
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