Six distributer/dispenser opioid companies have settled their litigation for their role in the opioid crisis for a total payment of $97 million. The settlement administrator has determined the percentage that eligible municipalities can receive and not all Massachusetts municipalities are eligible. You will want to check to determine if your municipality is eligible. Eligible towns must sign and return the Docusign form to participate in the settlement. The deadline for r

The Legislature enacted in 2022 G.L. c. 40Y, which invites municipalities to adopt a starter home zoning district. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) was charged with issuing regulations to implement the new law. It did so, by issuing 760 CMR 69.00 after public comment. The regulations are now in effect. The zoning district must receive a letter of eligibility from EOHLC before it is adopted by the municipality. The letter confirms that the pr

Cannabis Reform Bill Enacted Comprehensive cannabis reform was signed into law April 19th. Among the changes, municipalities must allow cannabis delivery unless they prohibit licensed operations and actively opt out of delivery. Review the bulletin from the Cannabis Control Commission for more details.

G.L. c. 59, § 59 states that applicants for an abatement must apply to the assessors in writing on or before the last day for payment of the actual tax bill without incurring interest. If the application is received after this date, the application will still be deemed timely if the U.S. Postal Service postmark, or mark affixed by a private delivery service recognized by the IRS, is dated on or before the last day for payment. The USPS has changed its operations to decrea

In Grafton & Upton Railroad Co. v. Burt , the Appeals Court upheld dismissal of claims against Hopedale officials, ruling that their good faith efforts to raise water supply concerns were protected by common-law immunity and did not constitute civil rights violations. The case arose after the Chair of the Hopedale Water & Sewer Commission, raised concerns with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about potential impacts on the town’s water supply from a Superfund rela