Massachusetts § 41 - Payment of compensation; oath

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 41 — Payment of compensation; oath, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 41. Payment of compensation; oath

Section 41. No treasurer or other fiscal officer of any town or city shall pay any salary or compensation to any person in the service or employment of the town or city unless the payroll, bill or account for such salary or compensation shall be sworn to by the head of the department or the person immediately responsible for the appointment, employment, promotion, or transfer of the persons named therein, or, in the case of the absence or disability of the head of the department or of such person, then by a person designated by the head of the department and approved by the board of selectmen in towns, and by the mayor in cities, or by the city manager in cities operating under a Plan D or Plan E charter. Except as otherwise provided in a collective bargaining agreement, the treasurer or other fiscal officer may pay the payroll to an employee on a biweekly or semimonthly basis. A commission, committee or board of trustees in a city or town, including a city council, board of aldermen or common council in a city, may for purposes of this section designate any one of its members to make oath to a payroll, bill or account for salary or compensation of its members or employees. This provision shall not limit the responsibility of each member of any such body in the event of a noncompliance with this section.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 41

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 41 cover?

Section 41 ("Payment of compensation; oath") 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 § 41?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 41" (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 § 41 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.