Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4772

Introduced
11/19/25  
Engrossed
11/19/25  
Engrossed
11/19/25  
Enrolled
11/19/25  
Chaptered
11/24/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation delineates specific guidelines for granting easements, outlining terms that must be adhered to by the city of Lowell. These terms ensure that the easement holder is responsible for restoring the surface condition of the land following any work completed within the easement area. The aim is to promote responsible land use while allowing the city to manage these lands for recreational and conservation purposes. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any financial compensation from Lowell to the commonwealth for these easements must be reinvested into conservation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 4772 is an act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant permanent and perpetual easements to the city of Lowell. The proposed easements pertain to designated parcels of land under the care of the department of conservation and recreation, with the primary intent of facilitating conservation and recreation efforts. The bill emphasizes that these easements are considered an emergency law necessary for the immediate preservation of public convenience, demonstrating urgency in executing the provisions of the bill.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support, as demonstrated by the unanimous vote during its enactment, potential points of contention could arise regarding the specific requirements and conditions tied to the easements. The measure specifies that all money paid in accordance with the easement must be directed into the Conservation Trust, thus generating a dialogue about the effectiveness of such investments in local community conservation projects and whether local governance maintains adequate control over land use decisions.

Companion Bills

MA H4183

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

Previously Filed As

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 H4296

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to dispose of certain parcels of land in the city of Brockton

MA H4768

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey certain parcels of land in the city of Brockton

MA H3324

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to dispose of certain parcels of land in the city of Brockton

MA H3418

Authorizing the division of capital asset management and maintenance to convey certain parcels of land to the city of Framingham

MA H3346

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to dispose of certain parcels of land in the town of Bolton

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 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

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.