Massachusetts H5712: Governor's Amendment

What the bill says

An Act Establishing a Board of Election Commissioners in the City of Salem.” This Home Rule bill would replace Salem’s existing Board of Registrars of Voters with a five-member Board of Election Commissioners. The bill would take immediate effect and would require the City to comply with its provisions during the upcoming November election. I have been informed by the City that this short implementation window makes it infeasible and impracticable to implement this legislation ahead of next week’s election. Like the City, I support the intent of this bill to establish a new Board of Election C.

From the introduced text, October 29, 2026:

An Act Establishing a Board of Election Commissioners in the City of Salem.” This Home Rule bill would replace Salem’s existing Board of Registrars of Voters with a five-member Board of Election Commissioners. The bill would take immediate effect and would require the City to comply with its provisions during the upcoming November election. I have been informed by the City that this short implementation window makes it infeasible and impracticable to implement this legislation ahead of next week’s election. Like the City, I support the intent of this bill to establish a new Board of Election Commissioners for Salem. With election preparations already well underway, however, I believe that a brief delay in the bill’s effective date would be advisable. For the reasons stated above, I recommend that the bill be amended by striking out Section 6 and inserting in place thereof the following text: - SECTION 6. This act shall take effect on January 2, 2027. Respectfully submitted, Maura T. Healey, Governor

Read the full official text

Sponsors

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

Latest actions

1. October 29, 2026: See H3907

Common questions

What is H5712?

H5712 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): Governor's Amendment.

What does H5712 do?

In its own words: An Act Establishing a Board of Election Commissioners in the City of Salem.” This Home Rule bill would replace Salem’s existing Board of Registrars of Voters with a five-member Board of Election Commissioners. The bill would take immediate effect and would require the City to comply with its provisions during the upcoming November election. I have been informed by the City that this short implementation window makes it infeasible and impracticable to implement this legislation ahead of next week’s election. Like the City, I support the intent of this bill to establish a new Board of Election C.

What is the status of H5712?

Introduced as of October 29, 2026. Latest action: See H3907 (October 29, 2026).

Who sponsored H5712?

Healey, Maura T. (I).

Where is the official record for H5712?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5712