HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4964        FILED ON: 3/19/2020

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

Jonathan D. Zlotnik

_________________

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to acting mayors during COVID-19 State of Emergency.

_______________

PETITION OF:

 

Name:

District/Address:

Date Added:

Jonathan D. Zlotnik

2nd Worcester

3/19/2020

Dean A. Tran

Worcester and Middlesex

3/24/2020


HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4964        FILED ON: 3/19/2020

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By Mr. Zlotnik of Gardner, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jonathan D. Zlotnik and Dean A. Tran for legislation to authorize acting mayors to operate with the authority of mayors during the COVID-19 state of emergency.  Municipalities and Regional Government.

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

_______________

 

An Act relative to acting mayors during COVID-19 State of Emergency.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any other general law, city charter, ordinance, or by-law, or any special legislation limiting the authority and duties of an acting mayor as set forth therein, upon the Governor acting pursuant to law declaring the COVID-19 state of emergency, dated March 10, 2020 and designated as executive order 591, an “acting mayor’s” powers shall not be so limited and the “acting mayor” serving as the result of a vacancy in the office of mayor, caused by the death, absence, or resignation of the mayor, shall possess all the powers of mayor in accordance with law. In addition, such “acting mayor” may make such appointments as are necessary to allow the city to adequately address the needs of its residents during the pendency of the State of Emergency. Said powers and appointments shall continue until such time as the emergency declaration is rescinded by the governor.