All Roll Calls
Yes: 152 • No: 0
MassachusettsH 5640194th General Court (2025-2026)House
An Act authorizing the town of Hingham to grant to the commonwealth of Massachusetts certain parcels of land in the town of Hingham for highway purposes
Sponsored By: House Committee on Ways and Means
Signed by Governor
House Ways and Means
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Conservation set aside and payment to Hingham
As mitigation, Hingham must place about 8 acres of 0 Hobart Street (Assessor’s Map 106, Lot 3) under its conservation commission. The area is the portion shown on the plan dated May 13, 2026 on file with the town clerk, and is protected under Article 97 and state law. MassDOT must pay the town at least 110% of the higher of fair market value or value in use, based on a MassDOT‑commissioned appraisal. The town must deposit the money in a dedicated land conservation fund. Before the transfer, MassDOT must send the appraisals to the Inspector General; the IG reviews and reports, and the Commissioner must send the materials to key legislative committees at least 15 days before the deal is signed.
Hingham land transfer for Route 3A work
The law lets Hingham transfer specific town parcels to MassDOT for highway use. The parcels are the ones shown on the Route 3A / Summer Street / Rockland Street preliminary right‑of‑way plans dated July 1, 2026, on file with MassDOT. Parcels may include land now held for park, conservation, or recreation. MassDOT pays for engineering, surveys, appraisals, deed work, and other costs to carry out the transfer.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
House Committee on Ways and Means
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Joan Meschino
Democratic • House
Patrick M. O'Connor
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 7/31/2026
Enacted
Yes: 152 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 185 of the Acts of 2026
8/7/2026Laid before the Governor
7/31/2026SenateEnacted -see Roll Call #232 (Yeas 39 to Nays 0)
7/31/2026SenateEnacted - 152 YEAS to 0 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 264)
7/31/2026HouseRead, rules suspended, read second, ordered to a third reading, read third (title changed) and passed to be engrossed
7/31/2026SenateRead third and passed to be engrossed
7/31/2026HouseRules suspended
7/31/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
7/31/2026HouseNew draft of H5504
7/31/2026HousePending new draft of H5504
7/31/2026HouseReported from the committee on House Ways and Means
7/31/2026House
Bill Text
Chapter 185 of the Acts of 2026
8/7/2026
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