WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1007

An Act to provide for housing within the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr and 1 co-sponsor

Authorizes no-cost housing in Manuel F. Correllus State Forest for the forest superintendent; if unused, other DCR staff who maintain the forest may occupy the house at no charge.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1007

Summary: H.1007 — An Act to provide for housing within the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

Overview

H.1007, introduced February 27, 2025, proposes to add a new provision to Chapter 21 of the General Laws. The bill would authorize the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (the department) to provide housing at no charge within the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest on Martha’s Vineyard. The housing is the existing house in the forest and would be offered to the forest superintendent; if the superintendent declines to reside there, the house would be made available to other department employees who care for the forest, on the same terms.

What the bill would do

  • Create a new Section 68 in Chapter 21 of the General Laws.
  • Require the department to make available the existing house in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest to the forest superintendent at no charge.
  • If the superintendent does not occupy the house, require the department to make the house available to other department staff who care for the forest, on the same terms (no charge).

Key provisions

  • Eligibility: The primary occupant is the Superintendent of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. If the superintendent does not live in the house, other department employees who maintain and care for the forest may use the house.
  • Housing terms: No charge to the occupant(s).
  • Location and asset: The housing is the existing house located within the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest on Martha’s Vineyard.

Affected parties

  • Primary: The Superintendent of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest.
  • Secondary: Other Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation employees who work to care for and manage the forest, should the superintendent decline to reside in the house.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Filed as House Docket No. 1007 (House, No. 1007) and Senate-petitioned.
  • Committee status: Reported favorably by committee (Environment and Natural Resources) and referred to House Ways and Means (as of July 16, 2025).
  • Hearing: Scheduled (and listed) for April 8, 2025, by the Environment and Natural Resources committee.
  • Related bill: HD 692 replaces the earlier version and is referenced as the related bill.

Potential impact

  • Policy aim: By providing no-cost housing for the forest superintendent (and potentially other staff), the bill seeks to support forest management logistics and staff accessibility within the Correllus State Forest.
  • Fiscal implications: The department would bear housing costs and maintenance for the building, with occupancy at no charge to occupants.
  • Administrative: Implementation would require the department to designate occupancy terms and manage assignments if the primary occupant changes.

This bill is a targeted, site-specific housing provision for state forest management staff.

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

Sign in to ask a question.