An Act to promote Yes in God's Back Yard
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, titled ‘An Act to promote Yes in God’s Back Yard,’ seeks to allow municipalities to allow multifamily housing on land owned by religious organizations, potentially altering existing zoning ordinances. The bill aims to address the issue of land use restrictions impacting religious properties. It has undergone several revisions and study orders within the Massachusetts legislature.
Key provisions
- Allows municipalities to permit multifamily housing on land owned by religious sects or denominations.
- Relates to zoning ordinances and taxation of such land.
- Has been subject to multiple study orders and committee reviews.
- Originally introduced as a petition and subsequently became a bill.
- Has been discharged to the Housing committee.
- Scheduled for a hearing on September 17, 2025.
Who is affected
- Religious organizations
- Municipalities
- Landowners of religious properties
- Housing developers
- Residents of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- The bill modifies existing zoning regulations.
- It has been subject to multiple committee reviews and study orders.
- The bill’s progression through the legislature has involved several rescheduling of hearings.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
21 on record
Primary sponsor
Andres X. Vargas
Cosponsors
Amy Mah Sangiolo
Andres X. Vargas
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
Arguments
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