Bill > H4646

This bill establishes a process for recalling elected officials in the town of Norwell, Massachusetts, allowing registered voters to remove officials from office under specific circumstances. These grounds for recall include conviction of a felony or certain misdemeanors (such as domestic violence or driving under the influence) while in office, admission to facts sufficient for such a conviction, violation of the conflict of interest law as determined by state authorities, excessive absence from public meetings (less than 50% attendance), or, for officials not on a board, excessive absenteeism or working less than twenty hours per week without just cause that impacts their department's function. The process begins with at least ten registered voters filing a "Notice of Intent" with the Town Clerk at least 170 days before the next annual town election, detailing the specific grounds for recall. After signature verification and confirmation of sufficient grounds by Town Counsel, the Town Clerk will issue petition forms. These forms must be returned within sixty days with signatures from at least ten percent of Norwell's registered voters, including at least 100 from each of the town's three precincts. If the petition is deemed sufficient, the Board of Selectmen will notify the official, who then has five business days to resign. If they do not resign, a recall election will be scheduled for the next town election. The recalled official cannot run to succeed themselves, and the election will proceed according to state and local election laws. The bill also outlines rules regarding when a recall petition can be filed (not within six months of taking office, with exceptions for re-election) and prohibits recalled or resigned officials from being appointed to town positions for two years.