Massachusetts § 20B - Regional veterans' districts, regional water districts or regional sewerage districts; increase in assessments
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20B — Regional veterans' districts, regional water districts or regional sewerage districts; increase in assessments, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20B. Regional veterans' districts, regional water districts or regional sewerage districts; increase in assessments
Section 20B. No regional veterans' district, regional water district or regional sewerage district authorized by law to assess costs, charges or fees upon cities and towns may increase the total of such costs, charges or fees by more than the sum of: (1) two and one-half per cent of the total of such costs, charges or fees over the preceding fiscal year; and (2) any increases in costs, charges or fees for services customarily provided locally or for services subscribed to at local option; provided, however, that such districts may exceed this limitation in the manner provided by this section.
In all but two-member districts, any increase above the limitation set out above shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of the district's governing body and, thereafter, shall require the approval of two-thirds of the local appropriating authorities of the several municipalities.
In a two-member district, any increase above the limitation set out above shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of the district's governing body and, thereafter, shall require the approval of the local appropriating authorities of both member municipalities. In the event both municipalities fail to approve in the manner required, the district's governing body shall convene a special district-wide meeting open to all registered voters in both municipalities at which the increase shall be considered. At such special meeting, the increase shall require the approval of a majority of those present and voting, by a counted vote.
In the event that the increase does not receive the necessary approvals as required by this section, it shall be recommitted to the district's governing body which shall have thirty days to amend and to resubmit said increase for approval in accordance with this section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20B
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20B cover?
Section 20B ("Regional veterans' districts, regional water districts or regional sewerage districts; increase in assessments") 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 § 20B?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20B" (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 § 20B 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.