Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H5578: An Act allowing print-free digital legal notices for the town of Topsfield
Status: In committee, August 17, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, July 13, 2026:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding subsection (b) of section 13 of chapter 4 of the General Laws, wherever the town of Topsfield or its committees, boards, commissions, departments or offices, are required by general or special law, by-law or judicial order to publish a legal notice in a newspaper or newspaper of general circulation, such requirement may be met through posting or publishing such notice in any of the following ways: (i) print newspaper of local or general circulation; (ii) newspaper website; (iii) website reporting local news and opinions which satisfy all criteria for digital publication as established in said subsection (c) of said section 13 of said chapter 4; (iv) statewide website that may be maintained as a repository for such notices; or (v) town-wide website that may be maintained as a repository for such notices. SECTION 2. Nothing set forth in this act shall be construed to alter or amend the time or timing of publication of legal notices set forth in the General Laws. SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Sponsors
- Kristin Kassner (D) · primary sponsor
- Sally Kerans (D, 13th Essex)
Latest actions
- : Read second and ordered to a third reading
- : Rules suspended
- : Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
- : Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
- : Hearing scheduled for 07/22/2026 from 12:00 PM-12:05 PM in A-1
- : Senate concurred
- : 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 H5578?
- H5578 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act allowing print-free digital legal notices for the town of Topsfield.
- What is the status of H5578?
- In committee as of August 17, 2026. Latest action: Read second and ordered to a third reading (August 17, 2026).
- Who sponsored H5578?
- Kristin Kassner (D), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for H5578?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5578
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.