Amendment ID: S2776-24

Amendment 24

Outdoor Dining Commission

Ms. Moran, Messrs. O'Connor and Moore move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting the following new section:-

"SECTION XX. (a) There shall be a special commission to examine permanent reforms to further enable outdoor dining. The commission shall consist of the following 15 members: the chairs of the joint committee on consumer protection and professional licensure, or designees, who shall serve as chairs; 1 member appointed by the alcohol beverage control commission, or a designee; the secretary of the division of occupational licensure, or a designee; 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association; 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts Municipal Association; 1 member of the Massachusetts Retailers Association; 2 members appointed by the Disability Law Center; and 6 members, appointed by the governor, with roles in municipal management or economic development from geographic regions throughout the commonwealth. All appointments shall be made not later than 30 days after the effective date of this section. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation.

(b) The commission shall review outdoor dining licensure requirements and infrastructure needs. The commission shall make recommendations to modify licensure requirements including, but not limited to: (i) streamlining licensure requirements where appropriate; (ii) improving application and renewal processes; and (iii) maintaining community input. The commission shall further make requirements on infrastructure needs including, but not limited to: (i) additional needs related to building code compliance and compliance review; (ii) best methods to aid businesses, restaurants and municipalities to transition facilities and spaces to accommodate additional outdoor dining demand; (iii) improving disability accessibility; and (iv) easing compliance and training associated with disability accessibility requirements.

(c) The commission shall meet not less once every eight weeks.

(d) No later than November 1, 2022, the commission shall submit a report and recommendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry those recommendations into effect by filing the same with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the house and senate committees on ways and means, and the joint committee on consumer protection and professional licensure."