Hull Select Board Votes 4-1 to Send Article 40 Home Rule Petition to Legislature

HULL -- June 30, 2026, Hull Select Board advances Article 40 Home Rule Petition to the state legislature on a 4-to-1 vote. Meeting in retreat session Tuesday at Hull High School, the board authorized Town Counsel Brian to transmit the citizen petition, which passed the May 5, 2026 Annual Town Meeting with roughly 72 to 74 percent support, the second consecutive annual town meeting approval, to Hull's legislative delegation under the Massachusetts Home Rule Amendment. The board then voted 3 to 2 to accompany the transmittal with a letter declaring the board's formal support for the legislation, with Chair Jerry Verna arguing the legislature specifically looks for such a signal and citing a historical precedent in which similar legislation cleared Beacon Hill in early July. Board member Erwin stated he "strongly supports moving it forward," while two members cast dissenting votes on the support letter. The board indicated it will request that Hull's state representative coordinate a meeting with legislative leadership to advance the petition.