Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4364

Introduced
7/30/25  
Engrossed
7/31/25  
Engrossed
8/28/25  
Enrolled
9/4/25  
Chaptered
9/11/25  

Caption

Authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne

Impact

The passage of HB 4364 will have a direct impact on the operations of local governance in Bourne, as it allows the town to manage specific public assets more effectively. The bill states that the town will assume all associated costs, which may influence local budgeting and resource allocation. Furthermore, it allows for an independent appraisal of the easements, ensuring transparency and fairness in the transactions, thus upholding the interests of public order and community needs.

Summary

House Bill 4364 aims to authorize the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne. This bill is categorized under emergency legislation, indicating its urgency for the immediate preservation of public convenience. The easements will specifically pertain to the installation, use, maintenance, repair, and replacement of a subsurface waterline on designated lands. The easements, alongside their respective terms, are intended to facilitate public utilities necessary for the town’s infrastructure improvements.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 4364 appears generally positive within the context of local governance, as it provides Bourne with the authority to manage its infrastructure more effectively. However, as the bill mandates financial responsibility on the town's part, some concerns about the operational capacity and potential financial burden on local taxpayers may arise. A common understanding seems to recognize the necessity of these easements for critical utility services while also accounting for the accompanying financial obligations.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions around HB 4364 include the responsibility of the town for costs related to the easements. While some local representatives support the bill for facilitating essential infrastructure, others may question whether the financial burden placed on Bourne is manageable given its current economic conditions. The mechanisms for appraising the easements may also inspire debates about the valuation processes and their alignment with public financial interests.

Companion Bills

MA H3435

Replaces Authorizing the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne

Previously Filed As

MA H3435

Authorizing the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne

MA H4183

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant easements in certain parcels of land to the city of Lowell

MA H4772

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant easements in certain parcels of land to the city of Lowell.

MA S2657

Authorizing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting by and through its Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, to grant permanent easements over certain land in the town of Milton for highway purposes

MA S2968

Authorizing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting by and through its Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, to grant permanent easements over certain land in the town of Milton for highway purposes

MA S2128

Authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey certain land in the town of Brookfield

MA H3402

Authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey a certain parcel of land in the town of Wellesley

MA H4823

Authorizing the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey a certain parcel of land in the town of Tewksbury

MA H4363

Authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey a certain parcel of land in the town of Wellesley

MA S2958

Authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey certain land in the town of Brookfield

Similar Bills

MA S2922

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant easements to NSTAR electric company d/b/a Eversource Energy in return for NSTAR releasing or modifying easements for the benefit of the Commonwealth

AK HB220

Easements & Rights Of Way In State Parks

MA H4772

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant easements in certain parcels of land to the city of Lowell.

MA H3431

Authorizing the release of a certain sewer easement in the town of Norfolk

MA H3435

Authorizing the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne

MA H4183

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant easements in certain parcels of land to the city of Lowell

MA H5304

Authorizing the division of capital asset management and maintenance to release a certain sewer line easement in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston

MA H4368

Authorizing the division of capital asset management and maintenance to release a certain sewer line easement in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston