HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 6284        FILED ON: 7/27/2026

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr.

_________________

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 providing municipalities with tools to address large vacant commercial properties.

_______________

PETITION OF:

 

Name:

District/Address:

Date Added:

Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr.

12th Hampden

7/27/2026

Orlando Ramos

9th Hampden

7/28/2026

Zaida Govan Springfield City Councillor Ward 8

1042 Berkshire Avenue, 01151

7/27/2026


HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 6284        FILED ON: 7/27/2026

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[Pin Slip]

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 

_______________

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

_______________

 

An Act providing municipalities with tools to address large vacant commercial properties.

 

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

 Chapter 40 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

 Section 72. (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:

 “Property owner”, any individual, business entity or organization that has legal title, care, charge or control of property or the buildings or structure thereon.

 “Vacant property”, any commercial property with land of 5 acres or more, and any building or structure thereupon, that is not being used or occupied.

 (b) No property owner shall, intentionally or through neglect, allow vacant property to negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood or community.

 (c) A city or town may file a petition to enforce subsection (b) in district, housing or superior court. The court may: (i) issue temporary restraining orders or preliminary or permanent injunctions; (ii) order the property owner to pay a fine of not more than $100,000; and (iii) compel the sale of the vacant property.