All Roll Calls
Yes: 158 • No: 0
MassachusettsH 5614194th General Court (2025-2026)House
An Act authorizing the release or exclusion of certain land from conservation restrictions in the town of Deerfield
Sponsored By: House Committee on Ways and Means
Signed by Governor
House Ways and Means
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Land release for Upper Road fix
The law releases about 15,977 square feet from a recorded conservation restriction so MassDOT can fix Upper Road over the Deerfield River. It applies only to the listed easement and temporary work parcels. All other land under that restriction stays protected.
Appraisal review and MassDOT pays costs
An independent appraiser must value the properties for market and use. The Inspector General reviews and approves the appraisal and methods. The commissioner must send the appraisal and IG review to House and Senate Ways and Means and certain committee chairs at least 15 days before the conveyance. MassDOT pays all engineering, survey, appraisal, deed, and related costs.
Town adds land, access, restoration duties
The town must give the Commonwealth a conservation restriction over about 5.5 acres on Mill Village Road (parcel 87-8) for DCR to hold. The town must also secure a pedestrian access license over Great River Hydro land and make needed access improvements, with the location set by the DCR commissioner and the town. All work areas must be restored to their pre-construction condition as much as possible, considering permanent structures. If the conveyed land appraises for less than the released land, the town must pay 110% of the difference to DCR’s Conservation Trust.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
House Committee on Ways and Means
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Joanne M. Comerford
Democratic • Senate
Natalie M. Blais
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 7/30/2026
Enacted
Yes: 158 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 176 of the Acts of 2026
8/6/2026Laid before the Governor
7/30/2026SenateEnacted -see Roll Call #226 (Yeas 39 to Nays 0)
7/30/2026SenateEnacted - 158 YEAS to 0 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 244)
7/30/2026HouseRead, rules suspended, read second, ordered to a third reading, read third and passed to be engrossed
7/30/2026SenateRead third and passed to be engrossed
7/29/2026HouseRules suspended
7/29/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
7/29/2026HouseNew draft of H4483
7/29/2026HousePending new draft of H4483
7/29/2026HouseReported from the committee on House Ways and Means
7/29/2026House
Bill Text
Chapter 176 of the Acts of 2026
8/6/2026
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