Massachusetts Senate Bill S2878

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/18/24
• Engrossed: 7/18/24
• Refer: 7/18/24
• Engrossed: 7/24/24
• Enrolled: 7/24/24
• Chaptered: 7/25/24
• Passed: 7/25/24

Caption

Relative to vacancies on the city of Lowell city council and school committee

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the existing municipal governance framework in Lowell by providing specific guidelines on how vacancies are to be handled. By ensuring that residents in district-based seats must have lived in that district for at least a year prior to the election or appointment, it aims to maintain a level of local representation and accountability. Furthermore, the legislation specifies that those elected through special elections are allowed to have 'candidate for reelection' printed next to their names on ballots, promoting clarity for voters in future elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 2878 aims to establish a clear process for filling vacancies on the city council and school committee in Lowell. The legislation mandates that if a vacancy occurs within the first 12 months of a councilor or committee member's term, it shall be filled through a special election called by the city council. This special election must be held between 64 to 120 days after the vacancy arises. For the second year of the term, there are additional options for filling vacancies, including appointment by the council, as well as the possibility of leaving the seat vacant for the remaining term.

Contention

While the bill streamlines the process for filling vacancies and reinforces local residency requirements, some critics may argue that the stipulations regarding special elections could lead to delays in representation, particularly in cases where the council or school committee opts to leave a seat vacant. The balance between immediate representation and the procedure for electing or appointing new members could prove contentious as the bill is discussed and potentially enacted.