Massachusetts § 54 - Approval by department; public hearing
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 54 — Approval by department; public hearing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54. Approval by department; public hearing
Section 54. A lease or purchase and sale of the franchise and property of a railroad corporation, or railway company, and a consolidation of two or more railroad corporations, or railway companies, or a contract that either corporation or company shall perform all the transportation upon and over the road of the other, whether authorized by general laws or a special act, shall not be valid or binding until the terms thereof shall, after public notice and a hearing, have been approved by the department, and a certificate signed by it, setting forth the vote of approval, shall have been filed in the office of the state secretary. The department shall announce its decision within thirty days after the final hearing upon the application of any railroad corporation or railway company for permission to lease or sell to, consolidate with or purchase the franchise and other property of, any other railroad corporation or railway company, or to contract with any other railroad corporation or railway company that either corporation or company shall perform all the transportation upon and over the road of the other.
This section may be enforced as provided in section two hundred and fifty-two of chapter one hundred and sixty.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 54
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 54 cover?
Section 54 ("Approval by department; public hearing") 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 § 54?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 54" (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 § 54 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.