Bill > S626

This bill establishes a three-year moratorium, meaning a temporary halt, on the issuance of comprehensive permits, which are special approvals granted under sections 20 to 23 of chapter 40B of the General Laws, a law designed to encourage the development of affordable housing by allowing developers to bypass some local zoning regulations if a town doesn't meet certain affordable housing goals. Additionally, the bill creates a nine-member special commission tasked with thoroughly examining how the comprehensive permit law has been used and how effective it has been in promoting affordable housing and its impact on local planning; this commission will include representatives from key state agencies and legislative leaders, will hold public hearings in every county to gather input, and must submit a report by December 31, 2011, detailing its findings and any proposed changes to the law.