Bill > S1211

This bill mandates that state departments establish and maintain annual education and training programs for members of various local boards and commissions, with the goal of improving local decision-making, particularly in areas related to public health and environmental protection. Specifically, the Department of Public Health will provide training for local boards of health, the Department of Environmental Protection will train members of local conservation commissions, and the Department of Housing and Community Development will offer training for local planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. These programs will be developed in consultation with relevant associations, such as the Massachusetts Association of Boards of Health and the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, and may involve contracting with these organizations to deliver the training. The training courses will be free of charge to board and commission members and will be offered in various locations across the state to ensure accessibility. Furthermore, members of specific commissions and boards, including those related to environmental protection, planning, and zoning, will be required to attend these training programs.