H 4542
An Act relative to making the charter of the city of Chicopee gender neutral
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- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill amends the charter of the city of Chicopee to remove gendered language and terminology. Specifically, it aims to ensure that the city’s charter uses neutral language in references to elected officials and other positions. The bill was substituted for a previous version, House Bill 2244, and ultimately became law after being signed by the Governor.
Key provisions
- Replaces gendered terms in the city charter.
- Ensures neutral language regarding elected officials.
- Updates the charter to reflect modern inclusivity standards.
- Substituted for a previous version of the bill (H.2244).
Who is affected
- Residents of Chicopee
- City officials in Chicopee
- The city government of Chicopee
Notable changes
- Removes gendered references throughout the charter.
- Updates the charter to align with gender-neutral language guidelines.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Thomas P. Walsh
Cosponsors
Jacob R. Oliveira
Shirley B. Arriaga
Thomas P. Walsh
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Bill H.4542 194th (Current)
An Act relative to making the charter of the city of Chicopee gender neutral
Substituted, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 2244) [Local Approval Received]. September 18, 2025.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Thomas P. Walsh
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Bill History Cosponsors
Bill History
Displaying 8 actions for Bill H.4542
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 9/18/2025 | House | Substituted for H2244 |
| 9/18/2025 | House | Passed to be engrossed |
| 9/22/2025 | Senate | Read, rules suspended, read second and ordered to a third reading |
| 3/30/2026 | Senate | Taken out of the Orders of the Day |
| 3/30/2026 | Senate | Read third (title changed) and passed to be engrossed |
| 4/2/2026 | House | Enacted |
| 4/2/2026 | Senate | Enacted and laid before the Governor |
| 4/10/2026 | Executive | Signed by the Governor, Chapter 56 of the Acts of 2026 |
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