MassachusettsH 5102194th General Court (2025-2026)House

An Act relative to the town of Reading Home Rule Charter

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Municipalities and Regional GovernmentHouse Steering, Policy and Scheduling

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Filling Town Meeting seats between elections

If a Town Meeting seat opens, remaining members of that precinct pick a temporary member. The temporary member serves until the next Annual Town Election. The Town Clerk must give written notice to remaining precinct members and publish a local notice. The notice must give at least seven days’ warning with the time and place of the precinct meeting.

New recall petition steps and thresholds

To start a recall, an affidavit must have signatures from 2% of registered voters and at least 25 voters from each precinct. It must name the officer, state the grounds, and detail a breach of sworn duties. The Town Clerk sends it to the Registrars within 24 hours. If certified, the Clerk issues blank petitions to the first 10 voters listed and mails the affidavit to the official within 5 business days. Petitions are due in 30 days with signatures from 20% of voters, with no more than 20% from any one precinct.

Town Meeting membership and removal rules

A Town Meeting Member can resign by giving written notice to the Town Clerk. Leaving Reading ends your membership. If you move to a different precinct, you serve only until the next Annual Town Election. A seat may be declared vacant for missing half or more of sessions in the year before the most recent Annual Town Election, after a chance to be heard and a majority vote. The Select Board must put the removal article on the Annual Town Meeting warrant, and the Town Clerk must mail at least seven days’ notice to the last known address.

Charter changes start after voter approval

These charter changes take effect only after voters approve further amendments at a local election. The further amendments were adopted under Article 8 of the November 10, 2025 special town meeting. Until voters approve those changes, this Act does not take effect.

Clearer majority vote rule for boards

A “majority vote” now means more than half of those present and voting, when a quorum is present. This applies to Reading’s boards, committees, and similar bodies. It clarifies how many yes votes are needed to take action.

Stronger Town Manager hiring and backup plan

The Select Board must hire a Town Manager based on executive and administrative skills. The person needs at least 3 years as a city/town manager or assistant, or 5 years of similar-level experience. The manager has a written contract up to 3 years, works full time, and generally cannot hold other town offices or outside jobs unless approved. Pay cannot exceed what town meeting appropriates, and the contract overrides conflicting personnel rules. If the manager is out for more than 30 days (or no letter is filed and an absence is expected to exceed 30 days), the Select Board must quickly appoint an Acting Town Manager until return.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 11 • No: 0

committee vote • 3/6/2026

Committee Favorable: ought to pass