Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3808

Introduced
3/22/23  
Refer
4/25/23  
Refer
1/18/24  
Engrossed
2/5/24  
Refer
2/8/24  
Engrossed
7/25/24  
Enrolled
7/29/24  
Chaptered
7/31/24  

Caption

Amending Chapter 336 of the Acts of 1939 concerning the establishment of the Lynnfield Center Water District

Impact

The bill proposes several amendments pertaining to the governance structure of the water district. Among other changes, it abolishes the elected position of treasurer, transitioning to an appointed role instead. This will likely increase the accountability of the treasurer, as the position will no longer be subjected to electoral processes but will be instead appointed by the board of water commissioners. Furthermore, the bill establishes new guidelines for how district meetings can be called and stipulates that certain subjects must be communicated in advance, which enhances transparency.

Summary

House Bill 3808 seeks to amend Chapter 336 of the Acts of 1939, specifically concerning the establishment and regulation of the Lynnfield Center Water District. This legislation aims to clarify some aspects related to the governance of the water district, particularly the requirements for the election of commissioners. A key provision is that any commissioner elected must be a registered voter in the district for at least thirty days prior to the annual district meeting. This requirement is meant to ensure that those in governance positions have a stake in the community they serve.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding how these changes affect local control and the input of residents in district governance. While supporters of the bill posit that these regulations will lead to a more streamlined and effective governance model, critics could argue that reducing elected positions may diminish community representation in decision-making processes. It is also noteworthy that the legislation provides a mechanism for waiving the thirty-day voting requirement if meetings are postponed due to public health or safety concerns, which reflects an awareness of the need for flexibility in governance amidst unforeseen situations.

Companion Bills

MA S2717

Similar To Establishing appointed positions of district clerk and district treasurer for the North Raynham water district

MA H4574

Similar To Dissolving the Whately Water District

MA H4993

Similar To Similar Bills

MA H5089

Similar To Relative to the Cotuit Fire District

Previously Filed As

MA H972

Authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Lynnfield Center Water District within the town of Lynnfield

MA H5417

Authorizing the town of Lynnfield to impose a local sales tax upon restaurant meals originating within the town

MA H5416

Authorizing the town of Lynnfield to appropriate funds from the Golf Enterprise Fund to the Recreation Capital Trust Stabilization Fund

MA H368

Amending Chapter 236 of the Special Acts of 2014

MA H984

Relative to water flow in the Central Plymouth County Water District

MA HB05249

An Act Amending The Charter Of The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Concerning The Potential Acquisition Of A Water Company.

MA H1541

Amending chapter 235 of the acts of 2014

MA H2324

Providing for the establishment of sustainable water resource funds

MA S1443

Providing for the establishment of sustainable water resource funds

MA H4399

Further amending the charter of the town of Middleton

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