# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1B: Removal of board members > Massachusetts · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1B ## Section - **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1B - **Heading:** Removal of board members - **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** MA Code / Part I / Title XIX / Chapter 131 / Section 1B ## Text Section 1B. Board members may be removed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the council, after due notice and a hearing before the governor, for inefficiency, neglect of duty, misconduct in office or other cause. A copy of the charge against a board member shall be delivered to him not less than twenty-one days prior to the hearing, and he shall have the right to a public hearing and to appear in person and be represented by counsel at the hearing. Upon removal of any board member, the governor shall thereupon cause to be filed in the office of the state secretary a complete statement of all charges made against such board member, the findings thereon, and a complete record of the proceedings thereunder. The absence of a board member from three consecutive meetings, except for sickness supported by the certificate of a physician, shall be termed neglect of duty, and shall be a cause for removal as provided herein. In case of resignation, removal or death of a board member, his successor shall be appointed to fill the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner and subject to the same qualifications as his predecessor. Prior to removal for absences, however, the chairperson of the board shall certify the unexcused absence of the board member from 3 consecutive meetings by filing a certificate to that effect with the commissioner of the department of conservation and recreation and the secretary of the commonwealth. Upon the filing of such certificates, such a member's position shall be deemed vacant and the governor shall appoint a successor. Section 1B. Board members may be removed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the council, after due notice and a hearing before the governor, for inefficiency, neglect of duty, misconduct in office or other cause. A copy of the charge against a board member shall be delivered to him not less than twenty-one days prior to the hearing, and he shall have the right to a public hearing and to appear in person and be represented by counsel at the hearing. Upon removal of any board member, the governor shall thereupon cause to be filed in the office of the state secretary a complete statement of all charges made against such board member, the findings thereon, and a complete record of the proceedings thereunder. The absence of a board member from three consecutive meetings, except for sickness supported by the certificate of a physician, shall be termed neglect of duty, and shall be a cause for removal as provided herein. In case of resignation, removal or death of a board member, his successor shall be appointed to fill the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner and subject to the same qualifications as his predecessor. Prior to removal for absences, however, the chairperson of the board shall certify the unexcused absence of the board member from 3 consecutive meetings by filing a certificate to that effect with the commissioner of the department of conservation and recreation and the secretary of the commonwealth. Upon the filing of such certificates, such a member's position shall be deemed vacant and the governor shall appoint a successor. ## Nearby sections - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1 Definitions; rules of construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1A Division of fisheries and wildlife; board; members](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1A.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1B Removal of board members](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1B.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1C Conflicts of interest](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1C.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1D Reimbursement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1D.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1E Meetings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1E.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1F Director](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1F.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1G Director; powers and duties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1G.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1H Bureau of wildlife research and management](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1H.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 1I Damage by moose or deer](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1I.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 2A Wildland acquisition account](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S2A.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 2B Deposit of revenues; interest](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S2B.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 2C George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund; funding sources; appropriations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S2C.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 3 Disposition of fines, penalties and forfeitures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S3.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIX_C131_S1B. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.