Summary: House Bill HD 4102 — An Act preparing Massachusetts for the next economy
Overview
HD 4102, titled “An Act preparing Massachusetts for the next economy,” proposes the creation of a special commission to assess and plan the Commonwealth’s built environment in light of emerging technologies, housing needs, and economic development, while protecting environment and open space. The bill envisions linking government, utilities, business, and higher education to develop a realistic plan to strengthen the economy and expand housing opportunities.
- Status: Senate concurred
- Introduced: February 27, 2025
- Filed by: Representative Kristin E. Kassner (2nd Essex)
- Referred to: Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (2/27/2025)
- Similar matter previously filed: House No. 3822 (2023-2024)
Key Provisions
Establishment of the NEXT Special Commission
- A special commission to prepare the built environment for the next economy, including an inventory of infrastructure, buildings, and land use regulations.
- Purpose: link government, utilities, business, and educational institutions to create a plan that strengthens the economy, provides housing, and enables opportunities in emerging technologies, all while safeguarding environment and open space.
Membership and Staffing
The commission (Massachusetts: NEXT) shall consist of:
- Secretaries of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the Executive Office of Economic Development (or their designees)
- At least two members from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies
- One member from the Massachusetts Municipal Association
- At least two members who serve on regional water authorities
- One member from NAIOP
- Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House
- Two members appointed by the Senate President
- At least two institutional partners, including the University of Massachusetts, plus additional universities chosen by the Speaker and Senate President
- A director to staff the commission, appointed by the secretaries
Data Collection and Scope
The commission shall collect data on:
- Availability of water, wastewater, electricity, and transportation access
- Proximity to food and medical resources
- Local land use regulations
- The existing built environment
- Local limitations to diversity in the economy
Public Engagement
- The commission must hold at least one public hearing, with opportunities for members of the public to speak. Additional hearings may be held as needed.
Deliverables and Timeline
- Not later than June 30, 2026: the commission must file a report with:
- Clerks of the House and Senate
- Secretaries of Housing and Livable Communities and Economic Development
- House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means
- The report shall include:
- Inventory of current land use and natural resources
- Housing and business needs
- Infrastructure and land use regulations
- Recommendations to balance preservation and growth opportunities for housing, economic development, and related infrastructure
Who is Affected
- State agencies (Executive Offices of Housing, Livable Communities, and Economic Development)
- Regional planning agencies and municipal associations
- Regional water authorities, utilities, and infrastructure providers
- Universities and higher education institutions (including UMass and other selected universities)
- Private developers, NAIOP members, and other industry stakeholders
- General public via public hearings and input opportunity
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Bill introduced and referred in February 2025; Senate concurrence indicates cross-chamber support at the time of concurring.
- Key deadline: June 30, 2026 for the commission’s comprehensive report and recommendations.
- The commission’s work is advisory, informing future housing, infrastructure, and economic development policy.
This bill lays the groundwork for a coordinated, data-driven review of Massachusetts’ built environment to prepare for a future economy, balancing housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, and growth opportunities.
