An Act authorizing the town of Berkley to recall elected officials
Sponsored By: Kelly A. Dooner (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
How Berkley voters start a recall
This law lets Berkley voters recall local elected officials. You cannot start a recall in the first 6 months after an officer takes office or in the last 6 months of the term. A group of 25 registered voters files an affidavit with the town clerk naming the officer and the reasons. After the registrars certify the names, the clerk issues dated, sealed petition blanks to the first signer and keeps the affidavit on file. Petitions must have signatures and addresses from at least 15% of registered voters in each precinct who could vote in the last town election. Return all petition pages within 20 business days of issue; you may turn them in in parts. The clerk has 5 business days to send petitions to the registrars, who have 7 business days to certify valid signatures.
How the Berkley recall vote works
If a petition meets the rules, the clerk sends the officer a certified notice with copies. The officer has 5 days to resign; if not, within 2 business days the clerk notifies the board of selectmen to order a recall election. The election must be within 90 days of the clerk’s notice, and the date must be at least 64 days after the order. If another town election is within 100 days, the recall is held on that date. The officer stays in office until the vote and may run to keep the job; the clerk lists the officer unless they opt out in writing. The ballot shows “For the recall” and “Against the recall” first, then the candidates. If a majority votes for recall, the top vote‑getter is elected; if a majority votes against, candidate votes are not counted. If a vacancy occurs after the recall is ordered, the recall still happens. If the winner does not qualify within 7 days after being notified, the office is vacant and the recalled officer is removed.
Two-year appointment ban after recall
If you are recalled, or you resign while a recall is pending, you cannot be appointed to any Berkley town office for 2 years after the removal or resignation.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kelly A. Dooner
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Norman J. Orrall
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 97 of the Acts of 2026
6/10/2026Enacted and laid before the Governor
6/4/2026SenateEnacted
6/3/2026HouseRead third and passed to be engrossed
6/1/2026HouseRead second and ordered to a third reading
5/4/2026HouseRules suspended
5/4/2026HouseCommittee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
5/4/2026HouseRead; and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
4/9/2026HousePassed to be engrossed
4/6/2026SenateNew draft (Dooner) of S2552
4/6/2026Senate
Bill Text
Chapter 97 of the Acts of 2026
6/10/2026
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