S 1312 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

Resolve establishing a special commission on the Dover amendment

This bill establishes a special commission to study how the Dover amendment, which allows certain educational buildings to bypass standard zoning rules, is currently being used in Massachusetts. The commission will be composed of representatives from the state government, legislative leadership, and local organizations, including experts in zoning, social services, and education. Its primary task is to review the impact of this exemption on municipalities and schools, gather public input through hearings or surveys, and examine relevant court cases. By January 1, 2024, the commission must submit a report with findings and specific legislative recommendations, including a proposed definition for what constitutes "educational purposes."
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 15, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. 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
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors