H1878

Relative to streamline the judicial review of local land use decisions

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1878 aims to streamline judicial review of local land use decisions by limiting evidence and requiring a bond for non-municipal.

Massachusetts H1878 modifies the judicial review process for local land use decisions by restricting the evidence courts can consider to only what was presented to the board of appeals or special permit granting authority. It also mandates that non-municipal plaintiffs post a bond to cover potential costs if they do not prevail in their appeal. This bond must cover twice the estimated annual carrying costs of the property owner and the defendants' attorney's fees, calculated over the expected duration of the appeal.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Oct 21, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Oct 10, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Oct 10, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order