Massachusetts H5669: An Act pertaining to City Council procedures

What the bill says

From the introduced text, September 14, 2026:

SECTION 1: Section 13 of the City of Holyoke Charter shall be amended by deleting the current section in its entirety. SECTION 2: Section 13 of the City of Holyoke Charter shall be further amended by adding the following new section: The city council shall determine the rules of its own proceedings and shall be judge of the election and qualifications of its own members. In case of the absence of the president, the vice president shall preside. In the case of the absence of both the president and the vice president, the council shall choose a president pro tempore, and a plurality of the votes cast shall be sufficient for a choice. The council shall sit with open doors, whether in session as a city council or as a committee of the whole, and shall cause a journal of its proceedings to be kept, which journal shall be open to public inspection. The vote of the council upon any question shall be taken by roll call when the same is requested by at least three members. A simple majority of all the members of the council shall be required to constitute a quorum of the city council or any of its committees, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day. All votes of the city council requiring …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Patricia Duffy (D, 5th Hampden) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. September 17, 2026: Senate concurred
2. September 14, 2026: Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Common questions

What is H5669?

H5669 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act pertaining to City Council procedures.

What is the status of H5669?

In committee as of September 17, 2026. Latest action: Senate concurred (September 17, 2026).

Who sponsored H5669?

Patricia Duffy (D, 5th Hampden).

Where is the official record for H5669?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5669