Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3902

Introduced
6/8/23  
Refer
6/8/23  
Refer
9/25/23  
Engrossed
10/23/23  
Engrossed
12/18/23  
Refer
12/21/23  
Enrolled
2/5/24  
Chaptered
2/12/24  

Caption

Relative to the select board of the town of Northborough

Impact

Should H3902 be enacted, it would formally amend the local bylaws to reflect this change in terminology throughout all references to the board of selectmen and its members. This legislative update will provide the town with the ability to revise its governing documents, enhancing the town's responsiveness to contemporary values regarding representation and inclusivity.

Summary

House Bill 3902 proposes a change for the town of Northborough, Massachusetts, by allowing the local government to rename its executive body from the 'board of selectmen' to the 'select board.' This change aligns with a broader movement towards inclusive language in municipal governance. The bill aims to maintain the existing powers and authority of the board while updating its nomenclature to reflect modern standards that promote gender neutrality.

Contention

While the bill received local approval, discussions surrounding it may reflect differing opinions about the necessity of such changes in nomenclature. Supporters argue that adopting more inclusive language fosters greater representation and aligns with current societal norms. However, there may be residents or officials who feel such changes are unnecessary or do not address more pressing local governance issues. Stakeholders may want to further discuss the implications of this adjustment during public hearings and town meetings.

Companion Bills

MA H4097

Similar To Increasing the membership of the select board of the town of Merrimac from 3 members to 5 members

MA S2487

Similar To Authorizing changing the name of board of selectmen to select board and the title of selectmen to select board member in the town of Charlton

MA H4818

Similar To Increasing the membership of the Select Board for the Town of Lancaster

MA S2948

Similar To Making the charter of the county on Nantucket gender neutral

MA H5119

Similar To Creating select board-town manager form of government in the town of Holliston

Previously Filed As

MA H3903

Amending the charter of the town of Northborough

MA S2459

Relative to changing the terms board of selectmen and selectmen to the term select board in the town of Rockport

MA H3724

Relative to changing the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Foxborough

MA H3842

Changing the name of the Board of Selectmen of the town of Gosnold to Selectboard

MA H3874

Granting the town of Southborough the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Southborough residents aged 17 years old

MA H4244

Changing the board of selectmen in the town of Dunstable to the select board

MA H3986

Relative to the select board of the town of Uxbridge

MA H3751

Relative to the board of selectmen in the town of Westport

MA S2422

Changing the board of selectmen in the town of East Bridgewater to a select board

MA S2487

Authorizing changing the name of board of selectmen to select board and the title of selectmen to select board member in the town of Charlton

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.