Massachusetts House Bill H2351

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25
• Refer: 7/14/25
• Report Pass: 1/27/26
• Refer: 1/27/26

Caption

Authorizing the Barnstable County and the town of Bourne to convey land and certain interests in land in the town of Bourne

Impact

If enacted, H2351 will modify state laws regarding land conveyance to allow for a streamlined process in transferring property interests to local governments. This could potentially benefit local authorities by providing them greater access to land for various public uses, aligned with local planning initiatives. One crucial aspect of the bill is the preservation of conservation restrictions, which ensures that even with the transfer, environmental protections associated with the land will remain intact.

Summary

House Bill 2351 seeks to authorize Barnstable County to convey specific parcels of land to the town of Bourne. The bill is designed to facilitate the transfer of property located at 0 County Road and 100 Dr. Julius Kelley Lane in Bourne. These lands are shown on designated land court plans and are subject to existing conservation restrictions, which are a significant consideration in the proposed transaction. The authorization is provided notwithstanding any general or special laws to the contrary, indicating a targeted exemption to standard legal barriers regarding land transfer.

Contention

Discussion around H2351 may involve discussions of local governmental powers and environmental stewardship, particularly concerning the conservation restrictions tied to the lands in question. While there may not be direct opposition reported on the bill, the interplay between local desires for land use and state conservation mandates could present a point of contention. Stakeholders may express differing views on the balance between development and conservation in the town of Bourne.