MA S981

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities must establish a comprehensive training program for all elected or appointed members of municipal boards and commissions with land usage authority

Training curriculum developed in consultation with Massachusetts Citizen Planner Training Collaborative, Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors, Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies, American Planning Association (MA Chapter), Massachusetts Housing Partnership, MassHousing, and the Attorney General's office

Required training topics include fair housing law and municipal zoning authority and laws, with the Secretary authorized to add additional elements

Members must complete training within 6 months of starting their term and renew within 4 years of their last training; municipalities may offer annual or biannual training sessions

Failure to complete required training results in automatic termination of membership and creation of a vacancy, which must be filled for the remainder of the term through the original appointment or election process