Massachusetts House Bill H3906

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/8/23
• Refer: 6/8/23
• Refer: 7/3/23
• Engrossed: 7/17/23
• Engrossed: 8/14/23
• Enrolled: 8/17/23
• Chaptered: 8/24/23
• Passed: 8/24/23

Caption

Authorizing the town of Shrewsbury to grant abatement of real estate taxes for the daughter of fallen firefighter Christopher Roy

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would set a precedent for the town of Shrewsbury and potentially other municipalities in Massachusetts regarding the power to offer tax abatements as a form of support to families of fallen first responders. Specifically, it would allow the Board of Assessors in Shrewsbury to bypass certain state regulations outlined in Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the general laws to provide such relief, which could ultimately change the approach to how local jurisdictions can respond to similar tragedies involving public safety officials.

Summary

House Bill 3906 seeks to provide a specific financial relief measure for the daughter of Christopher Roy, a firefighter who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. The bill allows the town of Shrewsbury to grant a temporary abatement of real estate taxes for the domicile of Ava Roy, effectively placing the responsibility for the financial relief on the local government level. This measure intends to ease the financial burden on the family during their time of grief and adjustment following the loss of a parent.

Contention

While the bill serves a noble purpose of honoring the sacrifice of fallen firefighters and supporting their surviving family members, it may raise questions regarding equitable treatment across other families in similar tragic situations. Some might argue that the bill should ensure broader protections and benefits for all first responders or might advocate for a statewide policy standard rather than a local ordinance. There could also be financial implications for the town in relation to the overall funding of community services if tax revenues were to be affected significantly.