Acts of 1997 (Session Laws)

Search the 1997 Session Laws

Chapter 1

An Act providing for implementation of the senior pharmacy assistance program (see Senate, No. 1683, amended). Approved by the Governor February 14, 1997.

Chapter 2

An Act restoring religious freedom in the workplace (see House bill printed as Senate, No. 105). Approved by the Governor February 27, 1997.

Chapter 3

An Act relative to the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the metropolitan highway system (see Senate, No. 1709). Approved by the Governor March 20, 1997.

Chapter 4

An Act relative to the position of town treasurer in the town of North Brookfield (see Senate, No. 966). Approved by the Governor April 10, 1997.

Chapter 5

An Act relative to certain study commissions (see Senate, No. 1684). Approved by the Governor April 18, 1997.

Chapter 6

An Act relative to the public schools of the city of Chelsea (see Senate, No. 1696). Approved by the Governor April 18, 1997.

Chapter 7

An Act providing for the appointment of the district treasurer and district clerk of the fire district of the town of Dalton (see House, No. 4367). Approved by the Governor April 18, 1997.

Chapter 8

An Act authorizing Cornelius J. Madigan to continue employment with the fire department of the town of Northbridge (see Senate bill printed in House, No. 4149). Approved by the Governor April 18, 1997.

Chapter 9

An Act relative to the issuance of a license to sell alcoholic beverages in Amherst (see printed in House, No. 4354). Approved by the Governor April 25, 1997.

Chapter 10

An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 1997 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects (see House, No. 4355, amended). Approved by the Governor May 14, 1997.

Chapter 11

An Act providing for an accelerated transportation development and improvement program for the Commonwealth (see House, No. 4392, amended). Approved by the Governor May 16, 1997.

Chapter 12

An Act relative to a certain parcel of land in the town of Wilmington (see Senate, No. 993, changed). Approved by the Governor May 22, 1997.

Chapter 13

An Act relative to the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District (see Senate, No. 1555). Approved by the Governor May 27, 1997.

Chapter 14

An Act relative to the bonding capacity of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (see Senate, No. 1701). Approved by the Governor May 29, 1997.

Chapter 15

An Act relative to horse racing at fairs (see House, No. 1480, amended). Approved by the Governor May 30, 1997.

Chapter 16

An Act relative to certain school construction projects in the city of Malden (see Senate, No. 1761). Approved by the Governor June 4, 1997.

Chapter 17

An Act relative to the annual cost of living adjustments for retirees (see Senate, No. 1753, amended). Approved by the Governor June 6, 1997.

Chapter 18

An Act authorizing the city of Holyoke to issue bonds or notes for the purpose of acquiring or demolishing blighted buildings in the city (see House, No. 4343). Approved by the Governor June 6, 1997.

Chapter 19

An Act making certain corrective changes in certain general and special laws (see printed in House, No. 4384). Approved by the Governor June 6, 1997.

Chapter 20

An Act relative to the issue of certain bonds and bond anticipation notes by the city of North Adams (see House, No. 4441, amended). Approved by the Governor June 12, 1997.

Chapter 21

An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Debora A. Croteau, an employee of the Department of Revenue (see House, No. 4442). Became law without the approval of the Governor June 19, 1997.

Chapter 22

An Act authorizing the town of Bridgewater to establish and maintain a capital project fund (see House, No. 4361). Approved by the Governor June 20, 1997. Declared to be an emergency law June 20, 1997.

Chapter 23

An Act relative to the Massachusetts Government Land Bank and the Devens Commerce Center (see House bill printed in House, No. 4190, amended). Approved by the Governor June 20, 1997.

Chapter 24

An Act validating a certain agreement relative to the connection of certain properties to the sewer system in the town of Hopedale (see House, No. 4433). Approved by the Governor June 20, 1997.

Chapter 25

An Act authorizing the city of Revere to pay a certain sum of money to Nancy Ciarlone (see House, No. 4362). Approved by the Governor June 20, 1997.

Chapter 26

An Act authorizing the conveyance of certain park land in the town of Westminster (see Senate, No. 960). Approved by the Governor June 20, 1997.

Chapter 27

An Act relative to the terms of certain bonds and notes to be issued by the Commonwealth (see House bill printed in House, No. 4479). Approved by the Governor June 24, 1997.

Chapter 28

An Act relative to the appointment of Donald B. Powell to the police department of the city of Boston (see House, No. 4458). Approved by the Governor June 24, 1997.

Chapter 29

An Act designating Route 143 in the towns of Chesterfield, Worthington, Williamsburg, Peru and Hinsdale as the General Lafayette Trail (see House, No. 2233). Approved by the Governor June 26, 1997.

Chapter 30

An Act exempting the office of chief of the fire department of the town of Stoughton from the provisions of the civil service law (see House, No. 4085). Approved by the Governor June 26, 1997.

Chapter 31

An Act establishing the Sherwood Greens road improvement and maintenance district in the town of Becket (see House, No. 3873). Approved by the Governor June 26, 1997.

Chapter 32

An Act authorizing the town of Shirley to assume payment for the costs of health insurance premiums for James C. Mickel (see House, No. 4365). Approved by the Governor June 26, 1997.

Chapter 33

An Act eliminating the wire department of the town of Cohasset (see House, No. 4432). Approved by the Governor June 26, 1997.

Chapter 34

An Act providing for a town manager in the town of Cohasset (see House, No. 4456). Approved by the Acting Governor June 30, 1997.

Chapter 35

An Act authorizing certain expenditures by the town of Webster (see House, No. 4639). Approved by the Acting Governor June 30, 1997.

Chapter 36

An Act making certain appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998 prior to final action on the General Appropriation Bill for said fiscal year (see House, No. 4665). Approved by the Acting Governor June 30, 1997.

Chapter 37

An Act extending certain bond authorizations of the Commonwealth (see House, No. 4603, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor July 2, 1997.

Chapter 38

An Act further extending the time for which certain land in Norfolk County may be used as a temporary minimum security alternative correction center (see House, No. 3396). Approved by the Governor July 3, 1997.

Chapter 39

An Act relative to voting precincts in the city of Chicopee (see House, No. 4341, changed). Approved by the Governor July 3, 1997.

Chapter 40

An Act relative to acquisition of blighted buildings by the city of Springfield (see House, No. 4325). Approved by the Governor July 3, 1997.

Chapter 41

An Act authorizing the city of Gardner to enter contracts for the sale or lease and operation and maintenance and modifications of water and wastewater treatment facilities (see House, No. 4189, changed). Approved by the Governor July 3, 1997.

Chapter 42

An Act designating the chocolate chip cookie as the official cookie of the Commonwealth (see Senate, No. 1716). Approved by the Governor July 9, 1997.

Chapter 43

An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year nineteen hundred and ninety-eight for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund and serial bond requirements and for certain permanent improvements (see House, No. 4700). Approved (in part) by the Governor July 10, 1997.

Chapter 44

An Act authorizing the town of Chelmsford to convey certain conservation land (see House, No. 4358). Approved by the Governor July 10, 1997.

Chapter 45

An Act authorizing the city of Malden to use certain park land for school purposes (see Senate, No. 1708). Approved by the Governor July 10, 1997.

Chapter 46

An Act relative to charter schools (see Senate, No. 1849). Approved by the Governor July 11, 1997.

Chapter 47

An Act assisting in making health care available to low income uninsured and underinsured residents of the Commonwealth (see Senate, No. 1699, amended). Approved by the Governor July 11, 1997.

Chapter 48

An Act abolishing certain counties and for the payment by the Commonwealth of certain debts and obligations of Middlesex County (see House, No. 4588, amended). Approved (in part) by the Governor July 11, 1997.

Chapter 49

An Act relative to the sale of certain alcoholic beverages in the city of Woburn (see House, No. 3433). Approved by the Governor July 11, 1997.

Chapter 50

An Act relative to the construction or improvement of school buildings in the town of Andover (see Senate, No. 986). Approved by the Acting Governor July 18, 1997.

Chapter 51

An Act relative to fire departments and fire districts (see House, No. 4434). Approved by the Acting Governor July 18, 1997.

Chapter 52

An Act exempting the position of deputy director for the board of health in the town of Billerica from the provisions of civil service law (see House, No. 3712, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor July 18, 1997.

Chapter 53

An Act relative to elections in the town of Scituate (see House, No. 4378). Approved by the Acting Governor July 18, 1997.

Chapter 54

An Act relative to the country club enterprise fund in the town of Hingham (see House, No. 4463). Approved by the Acting Governor July 18, 1997.

Chapter 55

An Act further regulating optometric patient care (see Senate, No. 1795). Approved by the Acting Governor July 31, 1997.

Chapter 56

An Act relative to the purchase of oil and fuel supplies for municipal light departments (see Senate, No. 394, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 57

An Act relative to certain conservation land in the town of Hopkinton (see House, No. 736). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 58

An Act relative to certain conservation restrictions in the town of Natick (see House, No. 4363). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 59

An Act authorizing the Saugus retirement board to grant certain creditable service to a certain retired employee (see Senate, No. 1807). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 60

An Act relative to the board of health of the city of Lowell (see House, No. 4305, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 61

An Act relative to the membership of the school committee in the city of Melrose (see House, No. 4340). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 62

An Act relative to the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District (see Senate, No. 1793, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 63

An Act providing for the elimination of the position of town administrator in the town of Hopedale (see House, No. 4349). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 64

An Act relative to the order of placement of a certain person on the civil service eligible list (see Senate, No. 1689). Approved by the Acting Governor August 1, 1997.

Chapter 65

An Act authorizing the town of Mashpee to lease a certain parcel of land to the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Cod, Inc. (see House Bill printed in House, No. 4737). Approved by the Acting Governor August 8, 1997.

Chapter 66

An Act relative to meeting dates and membership of the Board of Higher Education (see House, No. 4549). Approved by the Acting Governor August 8, 1997.

Chapter 67

An Act relative to the investment of certain trust funds by the commissioners of trust funds of the town of Weston (see House, No. 4347). Approved by the Acting Governor August 13, 1997.

Chapter 68

An Act authorizing the town of Wilbraham to issue two additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages (see House, No. 4462). Approved by the Acting Governor August 13, 1997.

Chapter 69

An Act authorizing the town of Acushnet to withdraw from the Acushnet, Marion and Rochester Regional Health District (see House, No. 4552). Approved by the Acting Governor August 13, 1997.

Chapter 70

An Act relative to the charter of the town of North Andover (see House, No. 4241). Approved by the Acting Governor August 13, 1997.

Chapter 71

An Act relative to the composition of the licensing board for the city of Brockton (see House, No. 4497). Approved by the Acting Governor August 14, 1997.

Chapter 72

An Act relative to the certification of the inspector of buildings and building commissioner in the city of Brockton (see House, No. 4499). Approved by the Acting Governor August 14, 1997.

Chapter 73

An Act relative to the procurement and award of contracts for certain housing in the city of Boston (see House, No. 4820). Approved by the Acting Governor August 14, 1997.

Chapter 74

An Act relative to the reimbursement of certain grants by the Salem housing authority (see House, No. 4482, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor August 14, 1997.

Chapter 75

An Act relative to the financing of final judgements by the city of New Bedford (see House, No. 4345). Approved by the Acting Governor August 14, 1997.

Chapter 76

An Act establishing a department of finance, budget and personnel in the town of Merrimac (see House, No. 320, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor August 14, 1997.

Chapter 77

An Act prohibiting court ordered visitation rights to certain persons convicted of first degree murder (see House, No. 4689). Approved by the Acting Governor August 15, 1997. (This act is also known as "Lizzie's Law")

Chapter 78

An Act renaming North Adams State College the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (see House, No. 4640, amended) Approved by the Acting Governor, August 20, 1997.

Chapter 79

An Act relative to lead poisoning prevention week (see Senate, No. 1384, amended) Approved by the Acting Governor, August 20, 1997.

Chapter 80

An Act relative to certain elections in the city of Medford in the current year (see House, No. 4845) Approved by the Acting Governor, August 20, 1997.

Chapter 81

An Act authorizing the town of Dracut to issue an additional license for the sale of wine and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises (see Senate, No. 1756, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, August 21, 1997.

Chapter 82

An Act designating a certain overpass in the town of Milton as the Honorable M. Joseph Manning community park (see Senate, No. 1662). Approved by the Acting Governor, August 28, 1997.

Chapter 83

An Act validating the proceedings of a special election held in the town of North Reading (see printed in House, No. 4315). Approved by the Acting Governor, August 28, 1997.

Chapter 84

An Act directing the city of New Bedford retirement board to increase the disability retirement allowance to former police officer Raymond Souza (see Senate, No. 1742). Approved by the Acting Governor, August 28, 1997.

Chapter 85

An Act prohibiting smoking in certain state buildings (see Senate, No. 1848, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, August 28, 1997.

Chapter 86

An Act directing the State-Boston Retirement Board to retire Jorge L. Torres, a police officer of the city of Boston (see House, No. 4364). Approved by the Acting Governor, August 29, 1997.

Chapter 87

An Act directing the State-Boston Retirement Board to retire Jonathan Stratton, a police officer of the city of Boston (see House, No. 4383). Approved by the Acting Governor, August 29, 1997.

Chapter 88

An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 1997 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects (see House, No. 4900). Approved (in part) by the Acting Governor, August 29, 1997.

Chapter 89

An Act authorizing the town of Methuen to grant a pension to Timothy P. Henrick (see House, No. 4379). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 4, 1997

Chapter 90

An Act authorizing the town of Grafton to abate certain taxes (see House, No. 4625). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 4, 1997

Chapter 91

An Act authorizing and directing the retirement board of the city of Leominster to retire Thomas Kent (see House, No. 4698). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 4, 1997

Chapter 92

An Act relative to the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee (see House, No. 2543, changed and amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 12, 1997

Chapter 93

An Act designating a certain bridge in the town of Newbury as the Henry A. Walker Memorial Bridge (see House, No. 4685). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 12, 1997

Chapter 94

An Act designating certain property in the town of Hingham as the Francis J. and Elizabeth H. Thompson Reservation (see House, No. 1130). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 12, 1997

Chapter 95

An Act authorizing transfer of the Meekins Library to the town of Williamsburg (see House, No. 4712). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 12, 1997

Chapter 96

An Act relative to elections in the town of North Andover (see House, No. 4496). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 17, 1997.

Chapter 97

An Act providing for the appointment of the town clerk in the town of Lancaster (see House, No. 4578). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 17, 1997.

Chapter 98

An Act relative to the charter of the town of Rockland regarding town officials (see Senate, No. 1805, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 17, 1997.

Chapter 99

An Act relative to the maturities of certain bonds and notes to be issued by the town of Rutland (see House, No. 4360). Approved by the Acting Governor, September 17, 1997.

Chapter 100

An Act relative to unemployment insurance (see House, No. 2236, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor September 23, 1997.

Chapter 101

An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Gina B. O'Neill, an employee of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth (see Senate, No. 1721, amended). Became law without Executive Approval, September 26, 1997.

Chapter 102

An Act establishing a sick leave bank for David I. Fleming, an employee of the Trial Court (see House, No. 4404, amended). Became law without Executive Approval, September 26, 1997.

Chapter 103

An Act authorizing certain structures to be exempted from certain harbor lines (see House, No. 4828, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor September 26, 1997.

Chapter 104

An Act authorizing the city of Beverly to enter into a certain contract for the disposal of sewage (see Senate, No. 1727). Approved by the Acting Governor September 26, 1997.

Chapter 105

An Act exempting a certain position in the city of Lynn from the civil service law (see Senate, No. 1784). Approved by the Acting Governor September 26, 1997.

Chapter 106

An Act relative to the enhancement of forensic technology (see House, No. 4646, changed and amended). Approved by the Secretary of State (Acting Governor), September 30, 1997.

Chapter 107

An Act authorizing the city of Melrose to place a certain binding question on the ballot to be used in the city of Melrose at the municipal election (see Senate, No. 1913). Approved by the Acting Governor October 1, 1997.

Chapter 108

An Act providing for the payment by the city of Worcester of medical expenses of police officer Peter Kneeland (see House, No. 4348). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 3, 1997

Chapter 109

An Act relative to the development of Forges Field in the town of Plymouth (see House, No. 4201, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 3, 1997

Chapter 110

An Act relative to the leasing of a field house and aquatics center at Holyoke Community College (see Senate, No. 1747, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 3, 1997

Chapter 111

An Act relative to the town of Winthrop scholarship fund (see House, No. 4841). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 3, 1997

Chapter 112

An Act relative to the eligibility of Edward Gourdeau to serve as constable for the city of Newton (see House, No. 4500). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 3, 1997

Chapter 113

An Act authorizing the town of Foxborough to convey certain conservation land (see House, No. 4507, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 3, 1997

Chapter 114

An Act authorizing the park commission of the town of Holliston to lease a certain parcel of park land (see House, No. 4541, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 3, 1997

Chapter 115

An Act providing for the construction of improvements to the John A. Ryan Ice Skating Arena in the town of Watertown (see Senate, No. 1705, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 3, 1997

Chapter 116

An Act designating certain bridges in the town of Middleborough (see Senate, No. 1767). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 8, 1997

Chapter 117

An Act providing for apportionment of road improvement betterment assessments and to establish a betterment fund for the town of Dennis (see House, No. 4473). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 9, 1997

Chapter 118

An Act authorizing the city of Somerville to use land currently used for park and playground purposes for the construction, maintenance and use of a school and educational facility (see Senate, No. 1904). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 9, 1997

Chapter 119

An Act requiring divestment of tobacco stocks, securities or other obligations from public pension funds (see House, No. 3905, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 15, 1997

Chapter 120

An Act authorizing the simultaneous holding of certain alcoholic beverage licenses (see Senate, No. 1939, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 16, 1997

Chapter 121

An Act authorizing the town of Great Barrington to contract for the restoration and repair of grave markers and monuments in the Mahaiwe Cemetery (see Senate, No. 1909). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 17, 1997

Chapter 122

An Act establishing a board of sewer commissioners in the town of North Brookfield (see Senate, No. 1920). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 17, 1997

Chapter 123

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Planning and Operations to convey certain parcels of land to the Taunton Development Corporation (see Senate, No. 1730). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 17, 1997

Chapter 124

An Act establishing a sewer district in the town of Colrain (see House, No. 4886, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 17, 1997

Chapter 125

An Act authorizing the Wareham Fire District to establish a betterment reserve fund (see House, No. 4643, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 17, 1997

Chapter 126

An Act providing for recall elections in the town of Belchertown (see Senate, No. 1858, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 23, 1997

Chapter 127

An Act establishing the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley Heritage District and Commission (see Senate, No. 1039, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 24, 1997

Chapter 128

An Act relative to the granting of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages in the town of Belmont (see House, No. 4649). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 24, 1997

Chapter 129

An Act extending the effective date of the law relative to lists of residents of cities and towns (see Senate, No. 1960). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 24, 1997

Chapter 130

An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Methuen to convey certain land to Malden Mills Industries, Inc. (see House, No. 4518). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 28, 1997

Chapter 131

An Act authorizing and directing the city of Quincy retirement board to grant creditable service to a certain employee (see Senate, No. 1808). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 28, 1997

Chapter 132

An Act authorizing the city of Holyoke to undertake and finance a hydroelectric project (see House, No. 2852). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 30, 1997

Chapter 133

An Act providing for a charter for the town of Yarmouth (see House, No. 4519, changed and amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 30, 1997

Chapter 134

An Act relative to the charter of the town of Rockland (see Senate, No. 1806). Approved by the Acting Governor, October 30, 1997

Chapter 135

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Planning and Operations to convey a certain parcel of land to the town of Wrentham (see House, No. 405). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 5, 1997

Chapter 136

An Act authorizing the board of selectmen of the town of Kingston to act as sewer commissioners (see House, No. 4524). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 5, 1997

Chapter 137

An Act relative to benefits of employees of maintenance and cleaning contractors (see House, No. 5023). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 5, 1997

Chapter 138

An Act authorizing the town of Plymouth to enter into contracts for the operation and maintenance, lease or sale and modification of the wastewater treatment plant, sewers and pump stations (see House, No. 4624, changed and amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 6, 1997

Chapter 139

An Act relative to the taxation of military pensions (see Senate, No. 1620, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 6, 1997

Chapter 140

An Act further regulating the possession of lobsters (see Senate, No. 1013). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 6, 1997

Chapter 141

An Act authorizing the city of Lowell to establish a ceiling of the amount required to be appropriated for the supplemental reserve fund (see Senate, No. 1778, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 13, 1997

Chapter 142

An Act designating a certain bridge in the towns of Bridgewater and Middleborough as the Desert Storm Veterans Memorial Bridge (see House, No. 1244). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 14, 1997

Chapter 143

An Act authorizing the certification for appointment of Michael M. Mullen as a firefighter in the town of North Attleborough (see House, No. 4771). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 14, 1997

Chapter 144

An Act establishing the Cape Cod Land Bank (see Senate, No. 1821, amended). Approved (over the objections of the Acting Governor) by the Senate on November 6, 1997 and the House of Representatives on November 12, 1997

Chapter 145

An Act relative to the filling of vacancies on the board of selectmen in the town of Mendon (see House, No. 5110). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 18, 1997

Chapter 146

An Act allowing for the use of crossbows by certain handicapped persons (see Senate, No. 1890). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 19, 1997

Chapter 147

An Act exempting the position of deputy police chief in the town of Framingham from the provisions of the civil service law (see House, No. 2776, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 19, 1997

Chapter 148

An Act relative to a sewer easement held by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in the city of Quincy (see House, No. 4554). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 19, 1997

Chapter 149

An Act authorizing towns to make certain elected officers appointed officials (see House, No. 2720, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 19, 1997

Chapter 150

An Act authorizing the town of Medway to make changes in its form of government (see House, No. 4576). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 19, 1997

Chapter 151

An Act authorizing the lease of certain property by a selectman in the town of Framingham (see House, No. 4645). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 19, 1997

Chapter 152

An Act relative to the construction and financing of convention and exhibition centers in the Commonwealth (see House, No. 5103). Approved (over the objections of the Acting Governor) by the House of Representatives on November 17, 1997 and Senate on November 17, 1997.

Chapter 153

An Act authorizing the issuance of temporary licenses for the sale of wine at certain auctions (see Senate, No. 2040). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 20, 1997

Chapter 154

An Act authorizing the city of Cambridge to grant certain easements on, over and under certain parkland (see House, No. 4680). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 155

An Act authorizing the Springfield water and sewer commission to enter into contracts for the operation and maintenance, lease or sale, and modification of the wastewater treatment plant, sewer and pump stations (see House, No. 4604, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 156

An Act relative to certain bonds or notes of North Shore Regional Vocational School District (see House, No. 4713). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 157

An Act authorizing the town of Reading to issue licenses to certain establishments for the sale of wine and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises (see House, No. 4471). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 158

An Act relative to the position of deputy fire chief of the fire department in the town of Randolph (see House, No. 5081). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 159

An Act authorizing the town of Walpole to issue an additional license for the sale of wine and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises (see House, No. 4671). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 160

An Act authorizing the lease of certain parcels of land in the town of Milton (see House, No. 4867, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 161

An Act validating certain actions taken by the town of West Bridgewater relative to certain zoning by-laws (see House, No. 4773). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 162

An Act designating the song "The Great State of Massachusetts" as the state glee club song (see Senate, No. 1370). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 24, 1997

Chapter 163

An Act authorizing the establishment in central Massachusetts of a health care system affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School (see Senate, No. 1996). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 25, 1997

Chapter 164

An Act relative to restructuring the electric utility industry in the Commonwealth, regulating the provision of electricity and other services, and promoting enhanced consumer protection therein (see House, No. 5117). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 25, 1997 (N.B. - file is over 400,000 bytes).

Chapter 165

An Act relative to notices to the Department of Mental Health in certain probate proceedings (see House, No. 2529). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 25, 1997

Chapter 166

An Act relative to certain rights of persons with mental illness (see House, No. 5122). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 25, 1997

Chapter 167

An Act exempting the clerical position within the fire department of the city of Taunton from the provisions of the civil service law (see House, No. 4337). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 25, 1997

Chapter 168

An Act relative to the geriatric authority of the town of Milford (see House, No. 4866). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 25, 1997

Chapter 169

An Act authorizing the certification for appointment of Susan C. Snow as a firefighter in the town of Nahant notwithstanding the maximum age requirement (see Senate, No. 1965). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 25, 1997

Chapter 170

An Act expanding access to quality health care for working families, children and senior citizens in the Commonwealth (see Senate, No. 2015, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 171

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Planning and Operations to release certain easements in the town of Reading (see House, No. 1412, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 172

An Act authorizing the transfer of title and ownership of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum (see House, No. 4801). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 173

An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Management to authorize the expenditure of certain interest or other income for urban heritage state parks (see House, No. 1967, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 174

An Act relative to insurance premium finance licensees subject to the jurisdiction of the Division of Banks and the Division of Insurance (see House, No. 4585, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 175

An Act authorizing the competitive disposition of certain land located in the town of Wilbraham (see House, No. 5121). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 176

An Act relative to charter schools (see House, No. 5142). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 177

An Act allowing for the increase of retirement allowances for Massport employees (see Senate, No. 1961). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 178

An Act relative to dishonored check fees (see House, No. 3386, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 179

An Act providing for improvements to the Metropolitan Water Supply System (see Senate, No. 2011). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 180

An Act relative to certain state land in the town of Danvers (see House, No. 3562, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 181

An Act punishing the crime of child pornography (see House, No. 4246, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 182

An Act relative to the financing of a golf course by the town of Brewster (see House, No. 5033). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 183

An Act relative to the city of Quincy's enhanced emergency telephone system (see Senate, No. 1751). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 184

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Planning and Operations to convey a certain parcel of land in the town of Natick (see Senate, No. 2023). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 185

An Act relative to the Boston Renaissance Charter School (see Senate, No. 2037). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 186

An Act relative to an extension of time to file income tax returns for certain taxpayers (see House, No. 4782). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 187

An Act relative to the appointment of the treasurer of the Barnstable Fire District (see House, No. 311). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 188

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Planning and Operations to convey a certain parcel of land to the towns of Norfolk and Wrentham (see House, No. 404, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 189

An Act authorizing the town of Dennis to convey certain conservation land to Richard P. LaBelle and Bonita LaBelle (see House, No. 4472). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 190

An Act authorizing the town of Stoughton to pay certain unpaid bills (see House, No. 4775). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 191

An Act relative to the removal and burial of bodies (see House, No. 5021). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 192

An Act relative to the budget of the town of Truro (see House, No. 4331). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 193

An Act relative to the charter of the town of Provincetown (see House, No. 737). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 194

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Planning and Operations to convey a certain parcel of land in the town of Clinton (see House, No. 4353, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 195

An Act relative to certain water supply land in the town of Norwood (see House, No. 4819, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 196

An Act relative to sewer betterment assessments in the town of Southwick (see House, No. 4577). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 197

An Act requiring optometrists to report certain cases of child abuse (see House, No. 1137). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 198

An Act authorizing Francis A. Heffron to extend his employment with the fire department of the town of Sherborn (see House, No. 5034). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 26, 1997

Chapter 199

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Planning and Operations to convey certain land in the town of Harwich (see House, No. 2205). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 200

An Act relative to the charter of the town of Southbridge (see House, No. 2331, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 201

An Act authorizing the town of Chatham to grant an easement in certain conservation land (see House, No. 826, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 202

An Act authorizing the town of Auburn to use a certain parcel of public park land for police purposes (see House, No. 4815). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 203

An Act transferring certain easements for the emergency improvement of the metropolitan area wastewater transmission system in the towns of Braintree and Weymouth (see House, No. 4981). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 204

An Act authorizing the town of North Reading to grant certain easements in certain conservation land (see House, No. 5002). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 205

An Act relative to the operation of steam boilers (see House, No. 5007, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 206

An Act authorizing the conveyance of certain property in the city of Boston (see House, No. 5135). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 207

An Act authorizing the town of Tewksbury to convey certain land (see House, No. 4542, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 208

An Act relative to the prosecution of juvenile offenders (see Senate, No. 821, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 209

An Act authorizing the county commissioners of Norfolk County to convey certain land (see House, No. 5143). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 210

An Act relative to the Commonwealth's motor vehicle inspection program (see House, No. 5115). Approved by the Acting Governor, November 28, 1997

Chapter 211

An Act designating a certain bridge in the city of Lawrence as the Joseph A. Torrisi Memorial Bridge (see House, No. 2810). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 3, 1997

Chapter 212

An Act providing for the appointment of the treasurer of the town of New Salem (see House, No. 4616). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 3, 1997

Chapter 213

An Act authorizing the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District to enter into contracts for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and modification of a biosolids processing facility (see Senate, No. 1918). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 4, 1997

Chapter 214

An Act authorizing the town of Westminster to establish a public works commission (see House, No. 4898, changed). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 5, 1997

Chapter 215

An Act relative to standardizing membership in the Board of Pharmacy (see House, No. 4734). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 5, 1997

Chapter 216

An Act relative to the Nashoba Regional School District (see House, No. 5104). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 5, 1997

Chapter 217

An Act relative to access to Parole Board hearings for family members of deceased victims (see Senate, No. 1952, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 11, 1997

Chapter 218

An Act designating a certain rotary in the city of Holyoke as Medal of Honor Way (see House, No. 4929). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 11, 1997

Chapter 219

An Act relative to columbariums (see House, No. 4764). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 12, 1997

Chapter 220

An Act relative to school nurses (see House, No. 3204, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 12, 1997

Chapter 221

An Act making an appropriation to fund a collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Union Local 25 (see House bill printed in House, No. 4791). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 17, 1997

Chapter 222

An Act relative to the form of government in the town of Danvers (see House, No. 4332, changed and amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 18, 1997

Chapter 223

An Act relative to the salary of the mayor of the city of Medford (see House, No. 5163). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 19, 1997

Chapter 224

An Act relative to the Uniform Commercial Code provisions dealing with letters of credit (see House, No. 246). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 19, 1997

Chapter 225

An Act authorizing the Dartmouth Police Relief Association to pay a certain benefit to its members upon their retirement (see House, No. 4980). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 19, 1997

Chapter 226

An Act making emergency appropriations to provide for continued operation of certain state agencies (see House, No. 5123, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 19, 1997

Chapter 227

An Act establishing a promotions fund in the town of Sandwich (see House, No. 3869, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 23, 1997

Chapter 228

An Act further regulating the position of town accountants (see House, No. 4385, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 23, 1997

Chapter 229

An Act abolishing the board of trust commissioners of the town of Swampscott (see House, No. 4529). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 23, 1997

Chapter 230

An Act exempting the position of civilian dispatcher in the town of Billerica from the provisions of the civil service law (see House, No. 4776). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 23, 1997

Chapter 231

An Act relative to the Ashfield Water District (see House, No. 4948). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 23, 1997

Chapter 232

An Act authorizing and directing the Superintendent of State Office Buildings to install and maintain a plaque in honor of the bicentennial of the Bulfinch State House (see printed in House, No. 5160). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 23, 1997

Chapter 233

An Act relative to the safe transportation of animals (see Senate, No. 1112). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 24, 1997

Chapter 234

An Act exempting the position of chief of police of the town of Andover from the provisions of the civil service law (see Senate, No. 1790). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 24, 1997

Chapter 235

An Act relative to insurance coverage of early intervention services for infants and toddlers (see Senate, No. 1956). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 24, 1997

Chapter 236

An Act relative to the Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority (see House, No. 4447, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 24, 1997

Chapter 237

An Act relative to quarterly taxes in cities and towns (see Senate, No. 1812). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 24, 1997

Chapter 238

An Act relative to the crime of stalking (see Senate, No. 134, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 24, 1997

Chapter 239

An Act relative to group marketing plans for automobile and homeowners insurance (see House, No. 5198, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 31, 1997

Chapter 240

An Act relative to the implementation of early intervention programs (see House, No. 5195, amended). Approved by the Acting Governor, December 31, 1997

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