S 514
An Act to protect the integrity of town meetings
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Bill overview
This bill, titled ‘An Act to protect the integrity of town meetings,’ aims to establish guidelines and regulations for town meetings in Massachusetts. It seeks to ensure fair and transparent processes during these local government gatherings. The specific details of how this protection will be implemented are currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Election Laws. Similar bills have been proposed in the past, indicating an ongoing interest in refining town meeting procedures.
Key provisions
- Establish guidelines for conducting town meetings.
- Ensure transparency in town meeting proceedings.
- Address potential conflicts of interest.
- Define procedures for public participation.
- Clarify rules regarding voting and decision-making.
- Outline requirements for recording and documenting town meetings.
Who is affected
- Town residents of Massachusetts
- Town meeting officials
- Local government officials
- Massachusetts State Legislature
- The Election Laws Committee
Notable changes
- The bill is intended to strengthen existing regulations surrounding town meetings.
- It builds upon previous attempts to improve town meeting procedures.
- The exact changes to current law are yet to be finalized.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Paul R. Feeney
Cosponsor
Paul R. Feeney
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.514 194th (Current)
An Act to protect the integrity of town meetings
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 514) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to protect the integrity of town meetings. Election Laws.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Paul R. Feeney Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.514
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Election Laws |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 6/27/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/08/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in B-1 |
| 7/31/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
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