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
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Select Board name and inclusive language
The law renames the “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board” across the charter. It replaces gendered words with gender‑neutral or role‑specific terms, like changing “himself” to “themself.” These are text updates only. They do not change powers, duties, or costs.
Town Administrator powers and removal rules
The law strengthens the Town Administrator as the town’s day-to-day executive. The Administrator supervises departments under their control, enforces laws and by-laws, and attends all Select Board and Town Meetings (voice, no vote). They keep the Select Board and Finance Committee informed on town finances and prepare staffing plans for departments. As Chief Procurement Officer, they handle common-use purchases; school and library educational or medical materials are excluded. They negotiate contracts and may approve awards for town departments, except the School Department, which keeps its own approval authority. Removal timelines: The Administrator can request a hearing within 5 days of a preliminary removal. A requested hearing is held 20 to 30 days after the request. The Administrator may file a written justification up to 48 hours before the hearing. If no hearing is requested, the Board may adopt a final removal after 10 days. After a hearing, it may vote at any time. The Board must affirm or deny the final resolution within 10 days of that vote and within 45 days of the preliminary resolution. If it fails to affirm, the removal is nullified.
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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