HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2395        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Kristin E. Kassner

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act regarding land use board training.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2395        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 3553 OF 2023-2024.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act regarding land use board training.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Section 3 of chapter 23B of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after clause (v) the following subsection:- (w) establish, conduct and maintain an annual program of education, self-evaluation, and training for members of local planning boards, special permit granting authorities, and zoning boards of appeals, at no cost to municipalities; provided, however, that the department shall consult with the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors, Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies, and American Planning Association - Massachusetts Chapter, and Massachusetts Citizen Planner Training Collaborative regarding development of the program to provide such education, self-evaluation, and training. Training shall cover special permits, subdivision control, variances, fair housing and any other laws that govern the role and responsibility of said board. To the extent practicable, the education, self-evaluation, and training programs shall be offered online and in various locations throughout the commonwealth, at various times of the year.

Every member of local planning boards, special permit granting authorities, and zoning boards of appeals shall, within 60 days after becoming a board member, and every 2 years thereafter, complete the education, self-evaluation, and training program, either online or in-person. Upon completion of the program, the member shall provide notice of such completion to the town or city clerk, such notice to be retained for 6 years.