BOSTON – An amendment filed by Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) was unanimously adopted as part of an omnibus municipal modernization bill debated in the Senate. The amendment, which received unanimous support, would help reduce vacancies on housing-related boards in the Commonwealth.

Under existing law, local housing and redevelopment boards are comprised of five members, including one member appointed at the state level by the Department of Housing and Community Development. In many communities, this appointment has remained vacant for extended periods of time.

The Moore-sponsored amendment would allow a local board of selectmen, or a city mayor with city council confirmation, to fill a vacancy lasting longer than 120 days. The appointment would continue through the unexpired portion of the term.

“These volunteer boards serve a critical role in governing local housing programs in our communities,” said Sen. Moore. “I have heard from numerous board members about how the vacancies make it more difficult to conduct business and maintain a quorum for meetings. I am hopeful that this commonsense provision will reach the Governor’s desk during the current legislative session.”

The legislation will now go before a Conference Committee comprised of six legislators to resolve differences between versions of the bill passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

UPDATE: On August 9, 2016, the Governor signed An Act Modernizing Municipal Finance and Government into law as Chapter 218 of the Acts of 2016. The Moore-sponsored provision was included in Section 216 of the new law.