Bill > H4542

This bill updates the city charter of Chicopee to make its language gender neutral and modernize its administrative structure. The bill repeals the existing charter from 1897 and replaces it with a comprehensive new charter that maintains the city's fundamental governmental structure while eliminating gendered language like "he" and "his" throughout the document. The new charter preserves Chicopee's existing municipal government framework, which includes a Mayor as the chief executive, a City Council as the legislative body, and a School Committee overseeing public education. Key provisions include maintaining nine city wards, specifying election procedures, defining the powers and duties of various municipal offices, and establishing guidelines for city administration, budgeting, and governance. The charter continues to outline detailed processes for municipal elections, appointments, budget appropriations, and the functioning of various city departments, but does so using gender-neutral terminology. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage, ensuring that the city's charter reflects contemporary language standards while preserving its core governmental principles.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4542