H 2082 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act regarding municipal zoning powers

This bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to prevent local municipalities from banning or unreasonably restricting the installation of solar energy systems. It directly affects towns and cities by removing their ability to use zoning ordinances to block solar projects, except in cases where public health, safety, or welfare would be compromised. The key provision requires that any local rules regarding solar energy must be reasonable rather than outright prohibitive, ensuring that homeowners and businesses can more easily access solar technology. By modifying Chapter 40A of the General Laws, the legislation standardizes how solar projects are treated across different communities in the state.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Aug 22, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Apr 16, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors