Massachusetts § 8A - Development and industrial commission; establishment; duties; membership; tenure; removals; vacancies

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 8A — Development and industrial commission; establishment; duties; membership; tenure; removals; vacancies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 8A. Development and industrial commission; establishment; duties; membership; tenure; removals; vacancies

Section 8A. A city or town which accepts this section may establish a development and industrial commission for the promotion and development of the industrial resources of said city or town. Such commission shall conduct researches into industrial conditions, investigate and assist in the establishment of educational or commercial projects, including projects involving private enterprise, for the purpose of expanding or strengthening the local economy, and shall seek to co-ordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for said purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and pamphlets which in its judgment will further the purposes for which it is established. The commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may require.

Such commission shall consist of not less than five nor more than fifteen members. The members in cities shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to the provisions of the city charter, except in cities operating under a Plan D or Plan E form of city charter, said appointments shall be by the city manager, subject to the provisions of the city charter; and in towns they shall be appointed by the selectmen, excepting towns having a manager form of government, in which towns such appointments shall be made by the town manager. When a commission is first established, the terms of the members shall be for such length, not exceeding five years, and so arranged that the terms of approximately one fifth of the members will expire each year, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of five years each. Any member of a board so appointed in a city may be removed for cause after a public hearing, if requested, by the mayor with the approval of the city council. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term in a city in the same manner as an original appointment, and in a town as provided in section eleven of chapter forty-one.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 8A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 8A cover?

Section 8A ("Development and industrial commission; establishment; duties; membership; tenure; removals; vacancies") 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 § 8A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 8A" (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 § 8A 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.