The House took action Monday aimed at scheduled an April 29 special election, with an April 1 primary, to fill the seat vacated last week when members expelled former Rep. Carlos Henriquez in light of his conviction on assault and battery charges.

Nomination papers are now available. The deadline to turn in the required 150 valid signatures is Feb. 24.

Henriquez is serving a six-month jail term and his friend and colleague Rep. Russell Holmes of Mattapan said last week he expected Henriquez might try to recapture his seat as he appeals the jury's verdict in a case of domestic violence.

Holmes last week raised the possibility that Henriquez, who was sentenced to jail on Jan. 15, might be released on parole by April 15. While special elections are typically set through the passage of orders, the House approved legislation (H 3897) in connection with the Dorchester election.