H 2120 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to hillside protection

This bill authorizes Massachusetts cities and towns to create special districts for protecting ridgelines and steep hillsides, directly affecting local municipalities and landowners in those areas. If a town votes to accept the law, it must establish a review board to oversee development and designate specific zones based on steep slopes or high elevations. The board will regulate construction and land use to prevent erosion, flooding, and visual obstruction while allowing activities like farming and minimal tree maintenance without special approval.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 16, 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
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tom Walsh
Tom Walsh
DDemocratic
MA
12th Essex