All Roll Calls
Yes: 11 • No: 0
MassachusettsH 4579194th General Court (2025-2026)House
An Act authorizing Bridgewater Town Charter amendment Article IV, Section 4-3, Town Manager Powers of Appointment
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
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New rules for Bridgewater board appointments
The Town Manager now appoints all town boards, committees, and agencies. Ad hoc committees created by a two‑thirds vote of the Town Council are not appointed by the Manager. All appointees must live in Bridgewater. The Town Council must ratify the Manager’s appointments. The Manager must create a citizens’ advisory committee to help review and choose appointees, with a town ordinance setting its size and terms.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Dennis C. Gallagher
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
committee vote • 10/23/2025
Committee Favorable: ought to pass
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 21 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 second and ordered to a third reading
1/29/2026SenateRead; and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session
12/22/2025SenateRead third (title changed) and passed to be engrossed
12/18/2025HouseRead second and ordered to a third reading
11/20/2025HouseRules suspended
11/20/2025HouseCommittee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
11/20/2025HouseBill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
10/30/2025HouseHearing scheduled for 10/14/2025 from 02:00 PM-02:00 PM in Written Testimony Only
10/14/2025legislatureSenate concurred
10/6/2025SenateReferred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
10/2/2025House
Bill Text
Chapter 21 of the Acts of 2026
2/12/2026
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