HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3767        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Samantha Montaño

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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 summary process.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3767        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act relative to summary process.

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

Chapter 239 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding, after section 14, the following new section:-

Section 15. Two-tier process;

(a) All summary process cases shall be handled in a two-tier process. (i)  First tier. This event will be for the parties to determine the status of the case, explore the availability of resources,  attempt mediation or other opportunity to reach a resolution to the case, and identify next steps in preparing the case for trial. No default or dismissal may enter if a party does not appear at the first tier event. (ii) Second tier. For cases which are not resolved, the Clerk’s Office shall send a written notice to the parties of the trial date.