Massachusetts § 56A - Municipal light commission; definition; contracts of members
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 56A — Municipal light commission; definition; contracts of members, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56A. Municipal light commission; definition; contracts of members
Section 56A. The words ''municipal light commission'' as used in this section and in sections fifty-six B to fifty-six E, inclusive, shall mean a light commission, gas and electric commission or similar body established by act of the legislature and vested with all powers and duties formerly exercised by the mayor and selectmen under this chapter, and with the powers and duties conferred upon municipal light boards under this chapter.
No member of a municipal light commission or manager thereof shall directly or indirectly make a contract with the city or municipal lighting plant or receive any commission, discount, bonus, gift, contribution or reward from or any share in the profits of any person making or performing such contract unless such member or manager immediately upon learning of the existence of such contract, or that such contract is proposed, shall notify in writing the municipal light commission or city of the nature of his interest in such contract and shall abstain from doing any official act on behalf of the commission or plant in reference thereto.
A violation of any provision of this section shall render the contract in respect to which such violation occurs voidable at the option of the commission. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
This section shall not apply to contracts of employment between a municipal lighting plant and its manager.
This section shall not apply to contracts between the city or municipal lighting plant and a corporation of which the member or manager is a stockholder or bondholder, unless the member or manager or a member of his immediate family owns or controls more than one per cent of the capital stock or more than one per cent of the outstanding bonds of such corporation.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 56A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 56A cover?
Section 56A ("Municipal light commission; definition; contracts of members") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 56A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 56A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 56A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.