Mansfield Selectmen Looking into Bylaw Codification, Online Laws

Mansfield selectmen are looking into a new codification system for the town’s bylaws.

The codification system, set up by General Code, would put all bylaws online and stop redundant and outdated bylaws from causing confusion.

“It’s a living breathing document,” said Patrick Smith, the account manager for General Code. “It provides stability and continuity between transitioning administrations, the code stays consistent.”

General Code, Smith said, would be checked and rechecked before and during its installation. Currently, many other New England towns are using the program.

Mansfield selectmen voted 5-0 to pursue codification for the town.

The code redundancy check would go back as long as the town has records check with state regulations and cancel old or inactive laws. It would also make all laws available to residents online for checks into zoning and town planning.

“Generally, we get 500 hits per month from 50 different ips (internet protocol address),” Smith said. “So it’s not just the Town Clerk’s office using it.”

All boards’ codes and bylaws would be up on the site.