H 3971 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act directing a study on the feasibility of placing registries of deeds for county governments that have not been abolished under the oversight of the secretary of the Commonwealth

This bill directs the creation of a special legislative commission to study whether county land record offices (registries of deeds) should be placed under the oversight of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The commission would examine the feasibility and effectiveness of moving these offices, specifically for counties that still operate them. The bill itself does not change any laws but authorizes a study to inform potential future policy decisions.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Governor
Introduced Mar 31, 2025 Last action Mar 9, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Apr 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Dennis Gallagher
Dennis Gallagher
DDemocratic
MA
8th Plymouth