S 667 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act providing for alternative DPA compliance

This bill creates a new seven-member "special waterfront development oversight commission" to review and approve development proposals in Designated Port Areas that don't meet standard regulatory requirements. The commission, appointed by state leaders and requiring environmental/policy expertise, will establish criteria for alternative compliance and must ensure projects won't harm the environment. Municipalities seeking to develop in port areas must first get the commission's approval, followed by final approval from the state legislature before construction can begin. The bill directly affects municipalities and developers in designated port zones by adding this new review step for projects that deviate from existing port authority rules.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Nov 13, 2025
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 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors