Inspector General seeks clarity on county land disposition process, proposes written offer to DCAMM and 90‑day response window

Commonwealth Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in favor of House Bill 16, a measure to clarify the statute governing county disposition of real property (G.L. c.34 §14). The bill would require counties to make a written offer to the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and give the agency a minimum 90‑day period to determine whether state agencies have a use for the property. Inspector General Shapiro said the current statute requires counties to offer property to “the state” but does not define the recipient, timing or method; he cited a 20‑year New Bedford lease that led to millions of dollars in waste because state options were not exercised and responsibilities were unclear. The bill is intended to add clarity, reduce the potential for misuse and protect public resources; the IG said DCAMM is the logical office to receive offers and coordinate cross‑agency interest. He said his office had discussed the language with DCAMM and the Attorney General’s office and would be open to a deadline amendment based on agency input. The committee heard testimony and did not vote on the proposed statutory clarification.