H3971 • 2025

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

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Sponsor: Dennis C. Gallagher
Last action: 2026-03-09
Official status: Accompanied a study order, see H5184
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

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

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 By Representative Gallagher of Bridgewater, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No.

What This Bill Does

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 By Representative Gallagher of Bridgewater, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No.
3971) of Dennis C.
Gallagher for an investigation by a special legislative commission (including members of the General Court) to study the feasibility and efficacy of placing the registries of deeds for county governments under the oversight of the State Secretary.
State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Limits and Unknowns

This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Bill History

2026-03-09 House
Accompanied a study order, see H5184
2025-10-29 Joint
Hearing rescheduled to 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:45 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
2025-10-29 Joint
Hearing rescheduled to 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
2025-10-28 Joint
Hearing scheduled for 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-11:45 PM in A-2
2025-10-28 Joint
Hearing scheduled for 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-11:45 AM in A-2
2025-10-17 Joint
Hearing scheduled for 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:00 PM in A-2
2025-04-03 Senate
Senate concurred
2025-03-31 House
Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Official Summary Text

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
By Representative Gallagher of Bridgewater, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3971) of Dennis C. Gallagher for an investigation by a special legislative commission (including members of the General Court) to study the feasibility and efficacy of placing the registries of deeds for county governments under the oversight of the State Secretary. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

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Bill H.3971

(a) There is hereby established, pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws, a special legislative commission to study the feasibility and efficacy of placing the registries of deeds for county governments that have not been abolished under the oversight of the secretary of the commonwealth. As part of the study, the special legislative commission may seek public comments and input.

(b) The special legislative commission shall consist of the following members: the chairs of the joint committee on state administration and regulatory oversight, who shall serve as co-chairs for the commission; 2 members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 2 members appointed by the president of the senate; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the senate; the secretary of the commonwealth or the secretary’s designee; the secretary of administration and finance or the secretary’s designee; and 3 members to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a current or former register of deeds and 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Massachusetts Association of County Commissioners, Inc.

(c) Within 180 days after the effective date of this act, the special legislative commission shall submit a report, including legislative recommendations, if any, to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, who shall forward the report to the joint committee on state administration and regulatory oversight, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the executive office for administration and finance.

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