S2617
An Act granting the city of Worcester the authority to require the adoption of institutional master plans
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would give the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, the authority to require institutions (like hospitals, universities, and other large organizations) to create and follow detailed master plans. These plans would outline how the institution’s property is used and developed over time. The goal is to ensure that these institutions contribute positively to the city’s overall planning and development efforts. This legislation aims to improve coordination between institutions and the city government.
Key provisions
- Grants Worcester the power to mandate institutional master plans.
- Requires institutions to develop and adhere to comprehensive planning documents.
- Focuses on planning for institutional properties within the city.
- Aims to align institutional development with city-wide planning goals.
- The city council must approve the plan before it can be implemented.
Who is affected
- City of Worcester
- Institutions within Worcester (e.g., hospitals, universities)
- City planning department
- Residents of Worcester
Notable changes
- Currently, Worcester may not have had the direct authority to require these master plans.
- This bill establishes a new process for coordinating institutional development with city planning.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Michael O. Moore
Cosponsor
Michael O. Moore
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.2617 194th (Current)
An Act granting the city of Worcester the authority to require the adoption of institutional master plans
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2617) of Michael O. Moore (with the approval of the city council) to grant the city of Worcester the authority to require the adoption of institutional master plans. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Michael O. Moore Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading City/Town: Worcester (Local Approval Required)
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill S.2617
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 9/25/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government |
| 9/29/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 10/14/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/14/2025 from 02:00 PM-02:00 PM in Written Testimony Only |
| 11/13/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session |
| 1/15/2026 | Senate | Read second and ordered to a third reading |
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