G.L. c. 61, 61A, and 61B allow for reductions in the fair cash valuation for real property taxes if certain prerequisites are satisfied....

This last month the Legislature enacted two key pieces of legislation – one addressing clean energy, and one providing numerous economic...

The use of medical marijuana and the licensing of what are now called Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs) was enacted by the...

The State Ethics Commission has issued a Public Education Letter addressing the scope of a public employee’s ability to advocate for...

The Parental Leave Act, G.L. c. 149, § 105D, allows an employee to take up to eight weeks of parental leave upon the birth or adoption of...

The Cannabis Control Commission earlier this year issued an important Administrative Order  regarding the transportation of marijuana....

Little Time Left to File a Proof of Claim in Steward Health Care Ch. 11 Bankruptcy     DLS released a message with links to remind...

We are proud to announce that four of our lawyers are recognized  by their peers for their expertise. Donna M. Brewer and Christopher L....

Is your municipality aware that it can obtain payments that are federal tax credits even though it is tax exempt? The federal Inflation...

“An Act relative to salary range transparency” was signed into law by Governor Healy on July 31, 2024. St. 2024, c. 141 . This law...

The Office of the Attorney General recently released a bid decision concerning what costs awarding authorities should consider when...

DLS Bulletin 2024-6, Regarding Changes to the Tax Title Foreclosure Law   DOR’s Division of Local Services has released a bulletin that...

We are honored to announce that Ivria Glass Fried has been elected by her peers to be the President of the Massachusetts Municipal Law...

The   Affordable Homes Act , Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 (the “AHA”), amends Chapter 40A to require municipal zoning bylaws to allow...

Back in our May newsletter , we cautioned that the legislature was likely to amend the statutes on foreclosure of tax title properties....

On July 25th, Governor Healy signed into law   An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws  (H.4885) . Passed in response the Supreme Court’s...

A recent First Circuit case examined limitations on municipal officials in response to a posting on Facebook by a citizen. In Berge v....

DLS Issues Guidance for Local Acceptance of HERO Act   The HERO Act , Ch. 178 of the Acts of 2024, includes two local options to...

Welcome to the second half of 2024. We congratulate Elaine Lazarus for her elevation from Interim Town Manager to Town Manager of...

Federal law permits civil and criminal penalties against the unhoused, but the Commonwealth constitution may not.