Bill > S1003

This bill creates a special commission to examine and potentially modernize Chapter 40B, Massachusetts' comprehensive permit law for low or moderate income housing. The commission will include key legislative leaders from both parties, the Housing and Livable Communities commissioner, representatives from cities and towns, and a community affordable housing organization representative. The group is tasked with thoroughly reviewing the existing law and suggesting amendments that balance community needs with the broader need for increased housing across Massachusetts. The commission must hold its first meeting within two months of the bill becoming law and is required to submit its recommendations and draft legislation to the Senate and House clerks and the Joint Committee on Housing by December 31, 2025. Chapter 40B is a state law that enables developers to bypass local zoning restrictions if they create housing that includes a certain percentage of affordable units, which has been both praised for increasing housing availability and criticized for potentially overriding local planning preferences.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1003