Massachusetts H5683: Governor's Amendment

What the bill says

An Act Amending the Charter of the City of Pittsfield.” This Home Rule bill would amend sections of the Charter of the City of Pittsfield to increase the terms of office for elected city councilors and school committee members from two to four years. I understand that the City’s intention in extending the terms was to have these officials serve terms co-terminus with the mayor. This Home Rule legislation requires the Charter amendment to be submitted to the voters at the next city election, which is scheduled for 2027. If approved by the voters, the term changes would go into effect for the 20.

From the introduced text, October 1, 2026:

An Act Amending the Charter of the City of Pittsfield.” This Home Rule bill would amend sections of the Charter of the City of Pittsfield to increase the terms of office for elected city councilors and school committee members from two to four years. I understand that the City’s intention in extending the terms was to have these officials serve terms co-terminus with the mayor. This Home Rule legislation requires the Charter amendment to be submitted to the voters at the next city election, which is scheduled for 2027. If approved by the voters, the term changes would go into effect for the 2029 election cycle, but the next mayoral election will not take place until 2031. As such, the bill will not meet the City’s goal of having these elected officials serve four-year terms synced with the mayor. I support the Home Rule legislation to update the Charter as approved by the City of Pittsfield to meet the intention of the City, and I request your prompt consideration of this bill. For the reasons stated above, I recommend that the bill be amended to specify that the first election of city councilors and school committee members for four-year terms will take place at the same time as the next mayoral election during the November 2031 city election. Respectfully submitted, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Healey, Maura T. (I) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. October 1, 2026: See H4716

Common questions

What is H5683?

H5683 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): Governor's Amendment.

What does H5683 do?

In its own words: An Act Amending the Charter of the City of Pittsfield.” This Home Rule bill would amend sections of the Charter of the City of Pittsfield to increase the terms of office for elected city councilors and school committee members from two to four years. I understand that the City’s intention in extending the terms was to have these officials serve terms co-terminus with the mayor. This Home Rule legislation requires the Charter amendment to be submitted to the voters at the next city election, which is scheduled for 2027. If approved by the voters, the term changes would go into effect for the 20.

What is the status of H5683?

Introduced as of October 1, 2026. Latest action: See H4716 (October 1, 2026).

Who sponsored H5683?

Healey, Maura T. (I).

Where is the official record for H5683?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5683