Bill
S 2164
Creates the Office of Boards and Commissions to recruit, screen, and renew appointments, build a registry, and cut vacancies for faster board decisions (possible stipends).
An Act relative to improving boards and commissions
Note on source material and inconsistencies
- The bill text provided (Senate Docket No. 1265, filed 1/16/2025) describes measures to improve the functioning of state boards and commissions in Massachusetts.
- The “Title” line supplied separately (requiring insurance coverage for anesthesia for contraceptive/menstrual procedures) does not match the bill text below it. This summary is based on the bill text (improving boards and commissions).
- Sponsor and procedural lists include duplicated and some out‑of‑place entries (federal senators listed as cosponsors). Where multiple or conflicting procedural dates/committees appear in the source, those are noted in the Procedural Status section.
Purpose and intent
- Strengthen the Office of Boards and Commissions (Executive Office for Administration & Finance) to improve recruitment, appointment renewal, and quorum/completeness of membership across Massachusetts’ ~700+ boards and commissions.
- Reduce vacancies and stalled decision‑making caused by unfilled or lapsed appointments and to increase public awareness and participation in board service.
Key provisions
- New statutory chapter establishing powers and activities for the Office of Boards and Commissions to:
- Create and maintain a Registry of Available Volunteer Board and Commission Members to identify and recruit individuals for appointment.
- Conduct regular publicity and recruitment across print, broadcast, electronic, and social media; issue news releases and public service announcements (PSAs).
- Screen applicants for eligibility and identify applicants who are especially qualified for particular boards.
- Update the Registry at least annually.
- Contact all winning and losing candidates for elected public office to invite inclusion in the Registry (on the basis that candidacy indicates interest in public service).
- Annually survey all current board/commission members (by postal mail and other means) about continued interest, activity, ideas about the board, and recommendations for potential new members.
- Compensation (conditional): For boards/commissions that (a) relate to licensure or professional conduct of paid activities/employment and (b) meet at least every three months, members may receive a nominal stipend equal to 3 hours per meeting at the state minimum wage equivalent — but only if authorized by the General Court.
Who would be affected
- Office of Boards and Commissions (EOAF): new or clarified responsibilities and outreach duties.
- Current and prospective members of state boards and commissions: increased recruitment, contact, and potential nominal compensation for qualifying bodies.
- Elected candidates: both winners and losers would be contacted as potential appointees.
- State agencies relying on board/commission decisions: likely fewer quorum/vacancy problems and more timely decision‑making.
Procedural status and timeline (as provided)
- Senate Docket filed: 1/16/2025 (S.2164 / SD 1265). Presented by Sen. Jason M. Lewis (by request); petitioned by Vincent Dixon.
- Other recorded procedural notes (dates in the source vary / duplicate): introduced in Senate; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (6/25/2025); references to referral and hearings before the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight committee; hearings scheduled/rescheduled for 10/29/2025 (multiple time updates). Top-of-file status shows “REFERRED TO INSURANCE” (conflicts with other referrals).
- As of the latest entries in the provided material, hearings have been scheduled but no final legislative action is recorded.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Administrative: the Office will need staffing and resources to run recruitment, screenings, outreach, and annual updates; the bill does not specify dedicated funding.
- Governance: better filled boards could improve regulatory and licensing decisions, reduce delays, and increase public representation.
- Budgetary: the stipend provision is conditional and requires General Court authorization; if enacted broadly this could create recurring costs.
- Privacy and ethics: contacting candidates and maintaining a public registry raises questions about consent, data handling, and conflicts of interest — implementation details would matter.
If you’d like, I can:
- Produce a one‑page version suitable for legislators or the press, or
- Draft a short fiscal/administrative impact checklist identifying likely resource needs for the Office of Boards and Commissions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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