MassachusettsH 4501194th General Court (2025-2026)House

An Act amending the town charter of the town of Plymouth

Sponsored By: Kathleen R. LaNatra (Democratic), Michelle L. Badger (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Municipalities and Regional GovernmentHouse Steering, Policy and Scheduling

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Budget oversight and year-end cap

Town Meeting meets at least twice each year; the spring session (March–April) focuses on funding and the annual budget. A 15‑member Advisory and Finance Committee (AFC) reviews budgets, holds public hearings, and issues a report posted online and mailed to members at least 14 days before Town Meeting. The AFC presents the proposed budget and can inspect any department’s books and records. If the AFC misses the 14‑day report deadline, Town Meeting must adjourn unless two‑thirds waive it. In the final month of the fiscal year, departments may not spend more than one‑twelfth of their annual appropriation unless previously encumbered or the AFC approves.

Voter petitions and referendums

Ten registered voters can place an article on an annual Town Meeting warrant; 100 are needed for a special Town Meeting. Most Town Meeting votes take effect after 10 days, giving time for a referendum petition. Exceptions that take effect right away are adjournment, payments on bonds and notes, temporary borrowing, and zoning bylaw changes. Within 10 days, a petition signed by at least 3% of registered voters can force a referendum; the Clerk has 5 days to verify, and the vote is held 35–90 days later or added to another election within 100 days. The Select Board can place nonbinding questions with 35 days’ notice, or voters can do so using 10‑voter and 3% thresholds and the 100/90/42‑day timelines. For town‑only ballot questions, the ballot must include a fair summary and a one‑sentence yes/no effect, published 7–14 days before the vote and available at polling places.

Local election and ballot rules

The annual town election is on the third Saturday in May. All town elections are nonpartisan; ballots show no party labels. The Town Clerk runs a public lottery for candidate order with at least 48 hours’ notice, and “Candidate for Re‑election” appears next to incumbents. Elected officers take office once certified and sworn; Town Meeting members must take the oath within 20 days or the seat becomes vacant.

New land use advisory board

A seven‑member Land Use and Acquisition Committee advises the Select Board on buying, selling, and managing town land. Members serve three‑year overlapping terms and are appointed by several town boards. The committee also advises on actions under Chapters 61, 61A, and 61B, and on other matters the Select Board requests.

Accountability for boards and staff

All boards and committees must organize within 30 days after the annual election, set quorum rules, adopt procedures, and file approved minutes with the Town Clerk for public inspection. An appointed member who attends less than 30% of meetings in 12 months may be deemed to have resigned by a majority of the full body. Appointing authorities may remove appointees for cause by majority vote. The Town Manager may delegate civil‑service personnel powers to Department Heads (not for Department or Division Heads or school employees), with final approval by the Town Manager and no appeal to the Select Board. At least every 5 years, a Charter Review Committee is appointed to review the charter and report to Town Meeting.

Open meetings and public records

Town Meeting sessions are open to the public. Secret ballots are not allowed and all motions use roll-call votes. A two‑thirds quorum is required, and changing article order needs a two‑thirds vote. The Town Clerk must post meeting notices in public places, online, and try to post on social media, and send notices to members’ homes. The Clerk must keep a detailed journal, publish attendance and voting records, and publish member contact info unless state law allows withholding. Members must notify the Clerk before a session if they will be absent; the Clerk takes attendance each session.

Recall rules for town officials

Voters can recall a townwide official with an initial petition of 250 voters, then a completed petition signed by at least 15% of registered voters within 30 days. Registrars certify within 7 business days. The Select Board sets a special election 64–80 days after its vote or aligns it with another election within 100 days. RTM members can be recalled with lower precinct thresholds: 100 voters to start, then 15% of the precinct within 10 business days, followed by a special precinct election. Anyone removed by recall, or who resigns after certification, cannot be appointed to any town office for 2 years.

Stronger conflict of interest rules

A Town Meeting member cannot vote on any article where they, an immediate family member, or an organization they serve has a financial interest. The member must tell the Town Clerk in writing before the session. Town employees who are members cannot vote on articles where they or their department have a financial interest. At budget time, they cannot vote on their own department’s line item, but may vote on other lines and the total budget.

Who serves in Town Meeting

Each precinct elects nine Town Meeting members to three-year staggered terms, with three elected each year. Any registered voter can run. Members serve without pay and cannot hold another elected town office at the same time. If sworn into county, state, or federal office, the town seat ends that day. Vacancies go to the highest unsuccessful candidate from the last election, or the precinct caucus if needed. Precinct chairs must form a Committee of Precinct Chairs within 30 days after each election and report at least yearly.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 11 • No: 0

committee vote • 10/2/2025

Committee Favorable with Changes: ought to pass as changed