H 4153 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act establishing a charter for the city of Somerville

HD 4716 proposes establishing a foundational governing document (charter) for the city of Somerville, Massachusetts. This bill, submitted by Representative Christine Barber with approval from Somerville's mayor and city council, would create the city's official charter under state law. The charter would define Somerville's local government structure, powers, and procedures for governing. It directly affects Somerville residents and its municipal officials by setting the framework for local decision-making. (Note: The abstract does not detail specific policy changes within the charter, as this is a procedural step to adopt the charter document itself.)
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
Governor
Introduced May 22, 2025 Last action Jul 16, 2025
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
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
May 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
May 22, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Christine Barber
Christine Barber
DDemocratic
MA
34th Middlesex