Massachusetts H5485: An Act authorizing the town of Wayland Select Board to grant permission to use land for green burials

What the bill says

From the introduced text, June 8, 2026:

Notwithstanding section 34 of Chapter 114 of the General Laws, except in the case of erection or use of a tomb on private land for the exclusive use of the family of the owner, no land, other than already so used or appropriated, shall be used for green burials unless granted permission by the Select Board, but no such permission shall be given until the location of the lands intended for such use has been approved by the Board of Health of the Town of Wayland, following a public hearing.

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• David Linsky (D, 5th Middlesex) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. August 24, 2026: Read second and ordered to a third reading
2. August 24, 2026: Rules suspended
3. August 24, 2026: Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
4. July 29, 2026: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
5. July 22, 2026: Hearing rescheduled to 07/22/2026 from 10:00 AM-10:25 AM in A-1 <br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
6. July 22, 2026: Hearing rescheduled to 07/22/2026 from 10:00 AM-10:25 PM in A-1 <br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
7. July 10, 2026: Hearing scheduled for 07/22/2026 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in A-1
8. June 11, 2026: Senate concurred
9. June 8, 2026: Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (July 23, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H5485?

H5485 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act authorizing the town of Wayland Select Board to grant permission to use land for green burials.

What is the status of H5485?

In committee as of August 24, 2026. Latest action: Read second and ordered to a third reading (August 24, 2026).

Who sponsored H5485?

David Linsky (D, 5th Middlesex).

Where is the official record for H5485?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5485