MA H4970

Authorizes the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government to conduct an investigation and study during a recess of the General Court on 17 House documents related to municipal powers, permitting, and zoning.

Topics under study include: local option fines for improper disposal of redeemable beverage containers, criminalization of homelessness, hybrid town meetings, remote participation in town meetings, planning board regulations for roadway reconstruction, subdivision regulations, municipal permitting, zoning voting thresholds, sanctuary city designations, solar energy system zoning, religious/educational land use zoning, third-party consultants in land use decisions, ridgeline and hillside protection districts, fairground properties, and special permits.

Committee must file its findings, recommendations, and any draft legislation with the Clerk of the House of Representatives by December 31, 2026.

Reported favorably by the committee on January 29, 2026, with Representative Jack Patrick Lewis signing for the committee.