StateMassachusetts

H 5578: An Act allowing print-free digital legal notices for the town of Topsfield

Unknown SponsorThird Reading

H 5578 status: Third Reading — Read second and ordered to a third reading (updated Aug 17, 2026).

1

What this bill does

Overall score

Score75/100 civic fit
RiskLow risk
ImpactLow impact 10/100

Bill summary

Official

By Representatives Kassner of Hamilton and Kerans of Danvers, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5578) of Kristin E. Kassner and Sally P. Kerans (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize print-free digital legal notices in the town of Topsfield. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval ...

Key analysis

Constitutionality90%
Bipartisan90%
Public opinion70%
2

Impact analysis

Environment

Positive Outlook
60%

Benefits

  • Reduces paper waste from print advertisements

Risks

  • None identified

Economy

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • Lowers municipal advertising expenditures

Risks

  • Potential loss of revenue for local print newspapers

Society

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • Easier digital access for internet users

Risks

  • Possible reduction in accessibility for residents without reliable internet
3

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Source

OpenStates

Confidence

low

low

Analysis status

OpenStates summary

Warning

Digital-only notices may exclude populations lacking consistent internet access

Limitation

Analysis based on limited summary text

4

Where it stands

Introduced

Complete

Committee

Complete
3

Floor

Current

Read second and ordered to a third reading

4

Governor

Upcoming
5

Enacted

Upcoming
5

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6

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