Bill > H16

This bill modifies Section 14 of Chapter 34 of the Massachusetts General Laws regarding county commissioners' authority to manage and dispose of county-owned real estate. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow county commissioners to manage county property, represent the county, and handle its business affairs, while adding specific requirements for selling county-owned real estate. Notably, if a county wants to sell real estate traditionally used for housing prisoners (such as jails or houses of correction), the sale must be at fair market value, and the proceeds must be used for specific purposes: constructing new jail facilities, reimbursing the Commonwealth for related expenditures, or repaying loans for county maintenance and operations. Furthermore, before selling or leasing any property, the county must first offer the property in writing to the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, who has 90 days to determine if any state agency has a current or foreseeable use for the property. If the commissioner declines, the property must then be offered to the city or town where it is located. This bill aims to ensure transparent and strategic disposition of county-owned real estate while prioritizing public use and financial responsibility.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H16