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MassachusettsH 4379194th General Court (2025-2026)House

An Act amending the charter of the city of Greenfield

Sponsored By: Joanne M. Comerford (Democratic), Natalie M. Blais (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Municipalities and Regional GovernmentHouse Steering, Policy and Scheduling

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Capital plan deadline and details

By March 1 each year, the mayor submits a capital improvement plan based on work from the city’s Capital Improvement Program Committee. The plan includes a short summary. It lists all proposed projects for the next five years with the need, cost estimates, how to pay, and schedules. It also shows expected yearly operating and maintenance costs for each major facility or equipment.

City budget deadlines and public notice

By April 22 each year, the mayor sends the next year’s operating budget and a budget message to the council. The city publishes a local newspaper notice and a simple budget summary. The summary shows big changes from the current budget and why, and the notice lists where to see full copies. The City Council must adopt the budget by June 30, with changes allowed by state law. If the council takes no action on an item by June 30, that amount is automatically appropriated for the next year.

Clear rules for acting mayor

If the mayor is away fewer than 15 business days, the mayor names a qualified city officer or employee to act. If the mayor cannot serve for 15 straight business days or more, the City Council President becomes acting mayor. If the president is absent or disabled, the vice-president serves. The mayor’s designee must assist the acting mayor.

Faster approval for city appointments

If the City Council meets within 30 days and does not reject an appointment, it counts as approved. The appointee can take the oath and start right away. They do not have to wait the usual 35 days.

Stronger oversight of police and fire complaints

The public safety commission reviews all written public complaints about police and fire employees. All written complaints go to the department chief, who must investigate and report findings. The commission must set complaint and hearing rules that match city law, civil service law, and union contracts. Written citizen complaints are part of the employee’s personnel file. The commission uses progressive discipline, but can give harsher penalties for serious cases. To avoid conflicts, no commissioner may work for police or fire, and listed family members cannot be employees or retired members within 36 months of the commissioner’s retirement date.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Joanne M. Comerford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Natalie M. Blais

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 10 • No: 0

committee vote • 9/12/2025

Committee Favorable: ought to pass

Yes: 10 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor, Chapter 6 of the Acts of 2026

    1/22/2026

  2. Enacted and laid before the Governor

    1/15/2026Senate

  3. Enacted

    1/15/2026House

  4. Read second, ordered to a third reading, read third and passed to be engrossed

    1/12/2026Senate

  5. Taken out of the Orders of the Day

    1/12/2026Senate

  6. Read; and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session

    12/1/2025Senate

  7. Read third and passed to be engrossed

    11/26/2025House

  8. Read second and ordered to a third reading

    10/16/2025House

  9. Rules suspended

    10/16/2025House

  10. Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting

    10/16/2025House

  11. Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling

    9/22/2025House

  12. Hearing scheduled for 09/04/2025 from 03:10 PM-01:30 PM in Written Testimony Only

    9/4/2025legislature

  13. Senate concurred

    8/11/2025Senate

  14. Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

    8/7/2025House

Bill Text

  • Chapter 6 of the Acts of 2026

    1/22/2026

    PDF

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