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H 4581

An Act granting the city of Worcester the authority to require the adoption of institutional master plans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim O'Day

Worcester could require Institutional Master Plans for large facilities and regulate their land use, with 10-year permit expirations and a 120-day window for existing institutions

Hearing scheduled for 10/14/2025 from 02:00 PM-02:00 PM in Written Testimony Only
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Bill Summary · H 4581

Summary of H. 4581 – An Act granting the city of Worcester the authority to require the adoption of institutional master plans

Overview

H. 4581 would authorize the City of Worcester to adopt local general or zoning ordinances to promote the development of large-scale institutional facilities and to require Institutional Master Plans (IMPs) for such institutions. The act would override certain state laws to enable local IMP review and establish a framework for how these plans and related permits would operate. The bill is currently set for a hearing (Written Testimony Only) on October 14, 2025, and has progressed through the Legislature with a related filing (House Docket No. 5203).

What the bill would do

  • Permit Worcester to enact ordinances that promote and regulate large-scale institutional facilities within the city.
  • Create a requirement that institutions prepare and adopt an Institutional Master Plan, describing current and projected land use and growth.
  • Allow the city to regulate land use and structures owned, leased, or used by institutions (e.g., hospitals, health care facilities, colleges, universities, nonprofit educational corporations) through IMP review.
  • If a special permit process is used, allow permits to expire and be renewed after 10 years; require existing institutions to apply for such permits within 120 days of the local adoption.

Key provisions

Section 1

  • Worcester may adopt local ordinances to promote development of large-scale institutional facilities.
  • The IMPl is defined as a land-use and development plan for land owned or used by an institution within the community, identifying current and future growth.
  • The master plan serves as a tool for addressing development impacts through public review and adoption.

Section 2

  • Overrides certain general/special laws to authorize IMP review and local regulation of land or structures used by institutions (hospitals, health care institutions, colleges, universities, nonprofit educational corporations).
  • If implemented via a special permit, permits may expire and be renewed after 10 years.
  • Requires institutions existing at the time of adoption to apply for the special permit within 120 days of local ordinance adoption.

Section 3

  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what would be affected

  • Institutions located in Worcester that occupy land or facilities, including hospitals, health care institutions, colleges, universities, and nonprofit educational corporations.
  • The city government, through its zoning and permitting processes, to require IMPs and administer IMP-related review and permits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: October 2, 2025.
  • Referred to a committee: Municipalities and Regional Government (effective date 10/02/2025).
  • Senate concurrence date listed: October 6, 2025.
  • Hearing: October 14, 2025 (Written Testimony Only).
  • Related bill: HD 5203 (the filing referenced appears to replace or supersede related language).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Provides Worcester with a formal mechanism to manage growth and impacts from large institutions through an IMP framework.
  • Establishes a 10-year permit horizon for certain institutional developments, creating longer-term regulatory certainty and periodic review.
  • Requires current institutions to act quickly (within 120 days) to obtain permits, potentially accelerating planning processes.
  • Could affect project timelines and development strategies for hospitals, universities, and other nonprofits operating in Worcester.
  • The use of “Notwithstanding” language indicates the plan could supersede some existing state law provisions in order to implement local IMP requirements.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text and stated procedural actions as provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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