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S 667

Requires certain public schools in N.Y. city to offer Halal food options during lunch

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a Special Waterfront Development Oversight Commission to allow alternative DPA compliance for projects, still needing General Court approval.

REFERRED TO NEW YORK CITY EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 667

Summary of S. 667 — An Act providing for alternative DPA compliance

Overview

S. 667 proposes an alternative pathway for compliance with designations and regulations governing Designated Port Authorities (DPAs) in Massachusetts. The bill would create a new Special Waterfront Development Oversight Commission to develop criteria and approve development proposals in Designated Port Areas that do not meet the strict requirements of current law. Projects approved under this process would still require formal review and approval by the General Court (the Legislature) before commencement.

Purpose and Intent

  • Provide an avenue for municipalities and developers to pursue DPA development that may not fully satisfy existing statutory requirements in Chapter 21A or related provisions (Chapter 91).
  • Establish a specialized governance body to balance environmental integrity with economic and municipal development interests.
  • Ensure that any proposal approved through this process receives explicit legislative review and oversight.

Key Provisions

1) Section 5A (new in Chapter 21A)
- “Notwithstanding” other laws, the secretary or an appointee, in conjunction with the Special Waterfront Development Oversight Commission, may comment on and approve proposals for development in DPAs that do not meet strict compliance with Chapter 21A or 91.
- This creates an official mechanism to consider alternative compliance proposals.

2) Special Waterfront Development Oversight Commission (new establishment)
- Composed of 7 members with appointments from multiple branches/officials:
- 1 member appointed by the Governor (to serve as Chair)
- 1 appointed by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
- 1 appointed by the Senate President (2-year term)
- 1 appointed by the Speaker of the House (2-year term)
- 1 appointed by the Senate Minority Leader (2-year term)
- 1 appointed by the House Minority Leader (2-year term)
- Members must be experts in environmental policy, public policy, municipal administration, or economic development.
- The Commission develops criteria for applicants seeking alternative compliance with DPA laws and regulations.
- Any project approved by the Commission must be submitted to the clerks of the House and Senate and to the chairs of ranking members of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
- The project may not commence without approval from the General Court.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Municipalities and private developers seeking to develop in Designated Port Areas may gain a pathway for proposals that do not meet every existing requirement.
  • The environment remains a stated consideration; any approved project must meet the Commission’s environmental integrity standards.
  • The General Court retains ultimate approval authority for projects, ensuring legislative oversight.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced February 20, 2025.
  • Referred to committees (Environment and Natural Resources; later Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions).
  • Accompanied by a study order (S2718) as of November 13, 2025.
  • Related companion bill: HR 3324; related/replaceable SD 192.

Notes

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Bruce E. Tarr.
  • Related/similar prior measure: S. 577 (2023-2024).
  • This summary reflects the bill text as introduced; subject to amendments and further legislative action.

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

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