H 4756
An Act to improve business improvement districts
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Bill overview
This bill modifies the laws governing business improvement districts (BIDs) in Massachusetts. It clarifies that BID activities and operations are part of district improvements, defines a ‘participating property owner,’ and outlines procedures for BID renewal and fee structures. Specifically, it addresses how property owners can be exempt from fees and establishes requirements for BID renewal votes and improvement plans.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘district management activities and operations’ to include BID operations.
- Defines ‘participating property owner’ for petition and signatory requirements.
- Allows for property owner exemptions from BID fees based on financial hardship.
- Establishes a process for BID renewal, including a review of the previous five years and a proposed updated improvement plan.
- Permits BIDs to limit or cap annual fees and set a minimum fee threshold.
- Allows for a ‘phase-in’ period for assessments over a maximum of three years.
- Requires BIDs to comply with public charity reporting requirements.
- Specifies that the BID must follow procedures for renewal meetings, including notice and proxy voting.
Who is affected
- Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
- Property Owners within BID districts
- Municipalities with BIDs
- Local Government Officials
- Small Businesses operating within BID districts
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Cosponsors
Antonio F. D. Cabral
Christopher Hendricks
Mary S. Keefe
Rodney M. Elliott
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Bill H.4756 194th (Current)
An Act to improve business improvement districts
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Status: Referred to House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.4756
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 11/19/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Community Development and Small Businesses |
| 11/19/2025 | House | New draft of H299 |
| 11/19/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling |
| 12/15/2025 | House | Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting |
| 12/15/2025 | House | Rules suspended |
| 12/15/2025 | House | Read second and ordered to a third reading |
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