By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to, without a roll call vote, a proposal that would allow the city council, town meeting or other equivalent city or town legislative body to change the interest rate on unpaid real estate property or personal property tax bills from the current 14 percent to “up to 14 percent.” The measure also allows the local tax collector or treasurer to waive interest fees on late payments and set up a payment plan with the person who owes the unpaid balances.

Supporters said the bill would give local officials more flexibility on these outstanding balances and would get rid of the cookie cutter/one size fits all current law.

Sponsor Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleborough) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed the bill and how he feels about its passage.