Local boards of health have broad authority under G. L. c. 111, §§ 122-125 to eliminate nuisances within a municipality. In a recent...

As public officials may know, many areas of the Public Records Law are based on “reasonableness.” In a recent Appeals Court case,...

A company proposed to reclaim a former gravel pit by filling it with soil and other materials over a 7 to 9 year period. The Pepperell...

Webinar on Surplus Supply Disposition Practices; Webinar on Community Preservation Act On April 23, 2024, the Office of the Inspector...

In a rare unanimous decision on a matter of substantial public interest, the U.S. Supreme Court pronounced factors to determine when a...

The state Tobacco Act, G.L. c. 270, § 6, sets the minimum age for the sale of tobacco products at 21. It expressly preempts an...

In the course of concluding 4 ½ years of litigation, the Superior Court recently found the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) partially...

While appeals of zoning decisions are classic petitioning activity protected by the state and U.S. constitutions and the Massachusetts...

DLS Issues Informational Guideline Releases

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, government bodies have seen a rise in virtual meetings through platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams....

The Annual Town Meeting can last for days. Even if the business is accomplished in one day, the long hours can lure attendees into a...

Attorney General Presentation on Bylaw Review; DLS “Meet DLS” The Attorney General’s Municipal Law Unit will offer a review of the...

The legislature has been busy updating some important municipal finance laws and some of these updates may have fallen under the radar....

The Cannabis Control Commission issued as part of its packet for its January 11, 2024, meeting, a model Host Community Agreement. The...

A recent case discussed what factors may determine when land has been designated for a specific municipal purpose. The determination is...

Training to Increase Diversity in Procurement; Updated Open Meeting Law Guide and Educational Materials

Perhaps your boards and committees are meeting again in person, but you would like to continue to offer the public an online link to...

At this time of year, citizens and users of public services may choose to thank public employees with small gifts at this time of year....

The Municipal Law Unit approved a Pembroke zoning bylaw amendment intended to comply with zoning requirements for MBTA Communities...

Rapid Fire Updates