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SD 2081

An Act relative to community exemptions from MBTA community designations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David DeCoste and 3 co-sponsors

Creates a blanket exemption: towns without an MBTA rail/subway/ferry station need not follow MBTA community designation rules; transit-accessible towns remain subject.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2081

Summary of Senate Docket No. 2081 — An Act relative to community exemptions from MBTA community designations

Purpose and intent

SD 2081 proposes a targeted exemption to the MBTA community designation requirements. By amending Chapter 40A, Section 3A, the bill would remove any obligation for municipalities that do not have a rail, subway, or ferry station to comply with the MBTA community designation provisions.

Key provisions

  • Amend Chapter 40A, Section 3A (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition) by adding at the end:
    • “No community without a rail, subway, or ferry station shall have to comply with this section.”
  • In effect, this creates a blanket exemption for any municipality lacking an MBTA rail/subway/ferry station from the MBTA-designation requirements.

What would be changed

  • The bill narrows the set of communities subject to MBTA-related designation rules by formally exempting non-transit communities.
  • Communities with MBTA stations would continue to be governed by the existing MBTA designation requirements; the exemption does not apply to them.

Affected parties and scope

  • Affected: Municipalities and regional governments within Massachusetts that currently have no rail, subway, or ferry station within their boundaries.
  • Not affected: Communities that do have an MBTA rail, subway, or ferry station.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Senate Docket: No. 2081; Filed January 17, 2025.
  • Legislative actions:
    • February 27, 2025: Referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
    • February 27, 2025: House concurred (indicating alignment between House action and Senate language at that stage).
  • Status: House concurred (the bill is positioned to conclude the standard passage process per the concurrent actions noted).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Policy impact: The exemption would reduce regulatory obligations for non-transit communities regarding MBTA-related housing-designation requirements.
  • Local housing and zoning implications: For towns without transit access, the MBTA designation regime would not apply; neighboring transit-adjacent communities would retain their existing requirements.
  • Intergovernmental considerations: Clear delineation between transit-less and transit-accessible municipalities could influence regional planning conversations and housing strategies.

Note: This summary reflects the text and stated actions as of the provided bill materials. Final effect depends on enactment and any further legislative changes.

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

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