An Act amending the charter of the town of Seekonk
Sponsored By: Thomas P. Walsh (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Clear process to remove Town Administrator
If the Select Board starts removal, the Town Administrator has 5 days to request a public hearing in writing. If requested, the hearing happens 20 to 30 days after the request; the Administrator may file a written statement up to 48 hours before. If no hearing is requested, the Board may make removal final after 10 days. If a hearing is held, the Board may act any time after the hearing. The Board must affirm or deny the final removal within 10 days of that vote and no later than 45 days after the preliminary resolution, or the removal is void.
Town employees keep pay and longevity
Regular full-time and part-time town employees do not lose their pay grade or longevity because of this Charter, unless the Charter specifically says so. This protects current pay status but does not raise pay.
Centralized town purchasing and contracts
The Town Administrator serves as the chief procurement officer for common-use supplies and equipment, as state law allows. Books and school educational materials, and library media, are excluded. The Administrator approves contract awards for town departments (not the School Department), subject to Select Board approval. The Administrator negotiates contracts in their area; the Select Board gives final approval and may let the Administrator sign. The Administrator joins School Department negotiations only as state law requires.
Stronger Town Administrator oversight and duties
The law makes the Town Administrator manage and direct town functions they are allowed to control. The Administrator must attend all Select Board meetings (voice, no vote) and all town meetings, and answer questions on matters they oversee. The Administrator must ensure laws, the Charter, bylaws, and town and Board votes are enforced within their areas. They must keep the Select Board and Finance Committee fully informed on town finances and recommend actions. They may investigate any office or staff under their control, must prepare staffing plans with the Select Board, and must carry out duties set by the Charter, bylaws, or votes.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Thomas P. Walsh
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Steven S. Howitt
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2026
1/29/2026Enacted and laid before the Governor
1/20/2026SenateEnacted
1/20/2026HouseRead third and passed to be engrossed
1/15/2026SenateTaken out of the Orders of the Day
1/15/2026SenateRead second and ordered to a third reading
10/16/2025SenateRead; and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session
9/2/2025SenatePassed to be engrossed
8/28/2025HouseSubstituted for H3913
8/28/2025House
Bill Text
Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2026
1/29/2026
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