To support the equitable utilization of third party consultants in land use determinations
Impact
The impact of HB 2329 is expected to streamline the land use review process across municipalities in Massachusetts. By ensuring that applicants are not charged for travel costs of outside consultants and allowing for coordination among local boards, the bill aims to reduce redundancies in the review process. This could make the process more transparent and equitable, as all applicants would have equal access to the same resources and consultants, thus promoting a more consistent approach to land use determinations across different municipalities.
Summary
House Bill 2329 seeks to enhance the effectiveness and fairness in land use determinations by requiring municipalities to create a certified list of approved outside consultants. The bill mandates that local permitting boards have access to a minimally qualified set of consultants for various fields necessary for the review of applications. This approach is designed to ensure that applicants can select consultants from a pool of qualified professionals, thereby facilitating more efficient project proposal reviews.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill may arise from how municipalities handle the certification of these consultants and whether additional regulations are necessary to ensure equitable access. Some stakeholders may express concern over the potential for favoritism in the selection of the certified consultants or question if the process adequately addresses the needs of smaller municipalities that may struggle to maintain a qualified list. The bill’s effectiveness could also be challenged if not properly implemented, leading to variations in the quality of land use determinations.
Report in part of the special committee of the House to examine the returns of the votes for Representative in the several representative districts of the Commonwealth relative to the first Middlesex District