Notices of Public Hearing (Published 12/05/2025)
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
606 CMR 3.00
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT
In accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Board of Early Education and Care (EEC) is proposing amendments to its regulations found at 606 CMR 3.00, pursuant to its authority under M. G.L. c. 15D, § 3. The proposed amendments are to the Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Residential Programs Serving Children and Teen Parents.
The primary goals of these revised regulations are to: center the experience of the youth and families that are served by these programs; streamline processes to ensure better efficiency and less duplication; minimize the financial impact and added costs to programs; foster the development of a stable and skilled workforce; eliminate provisions, practices, and language that are outdated or no longer applicable; utilize research and evidence-based best practices to inform the revisions and recommended policy changes; and enhance compliance, accountability, and transparency.
At the November 12, 2025, EEC Board meeting, Board Members voted to adopt these regulations in draft form and to provide for a public comment period. EEC is holding a virtual public hearing on December 17, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to provide more details about the revisions and receive feedback on the proposed regulations. You can sign up for the virtual public meeting at: www.mass.gov/event/public-comment-hearing-on-proposed-amendments-to-standards-for-the-licensure-of-residential-programs-12-17-2025. EEC will accept comments on the proposed regulations at edit.mass.gov/news/public-comment-period-on-proposed-amendments-to-standards-for-the-licensure-or-approval-of-residential-programs or in writing to the Department of Early Education and Care, 50 Milk Street, 14th Floor, Boston, MA 02109. The public comment period will remain open until 5:00 PM on January 12, 2025.
CMR No.: 606 CMR 3.00
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
-
Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:
0
-
Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
No.
-
Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
No.
-
Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)No.
Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?
No.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?
Yes, the regulation requires small business to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No.
Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No.
Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No.
Can the compliance or reporting requirements be consolidated or simplified for small businesses?
No.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards?
No.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No.
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Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
603 CMR 7.00
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT
Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B, M.G.L. c. 69, c. 71, § 38G, and § 300(d) of c. 238 of the Acts of 2024 (the Mass Leads Act) and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is soliciting public comment on proposed amendments to the Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval Regulations, 603 CMR 7.00.
The proposed amendments will create a new alternative licensure pathway, consistent with Section 300(d) of the Mass Leads Act (see link: www.mass.gov/economic-development-bill) allowing a waiver of one of the two tests that comprise the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Key provisions of the proposed amendments include the following:
- New and amended definitions in 603 CMR 7.02 in alignment with the proposed alternative licensure pathway
- New language in 603 CMR 7.04 outlining the alternative licensure pathway that would allow waiver of the communication and literacy skills test or a subject matter knowledge test
- Revisions to the “add license” options in 603 CMR 7.15 to include alternative assessments and the proposed alternative licensure pathway
- New implementation language in 603 CMR 7.15 to include timelines for implementing revised subject matter knowledge requirements
- Revisions to non-substantive language to update references in various sections of the regulations.
Copies of the proposed amendments are available on the Department’s website at www.doe.mass.edu/bese/regs-comments/default.html, or at www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/, or by calling 781-338-3292. Public comments may be submitted online by completing this form survey.alchemer.com/s3/8559847/Proposed-Amendments-to-Regulations-on-Educator-Licensure-Alternative-Pathways-2025-Public-Comment, or by email to EducatorPreparation@mass.gov, or by mail to: Regulations Public Comment, c/o Commissioner’s Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149. The deadline to submit public comment is Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:00 pm. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed amendments at its regular monthly meeting in March 2026.
603 CMR 7.00
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
This statement accompanies the filing by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of the proposed amendments to Educator Licensure Regulations, 603 CMR 7.00.
The proposed amendments will create a new alternative licensure pathway, consistent with Section 300(d) of the Mass Leads Act (see link: www.mass.gov/economic-development-bill) allowing a waiver of one of the two tests that comprise the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Key provisions of the proposed amendments include the following:
- New and amended definitions in 603 CMR 7.02 in alignment with the proposed alternativelicensure pathway
- New language in 603 CMR 7.04 outlining the alternative licensure pathway that would allowwaiver of the communication and literacy skills test or a subject matter knowledge test
- Revisions to the "add license" options in 603 CMR 7.15 to include alternative assessmentsand the proposed alternative licensure pathway
- New implementation language in 603 CMR 7.15 to include timelines for implementingrevised subject matter knowledge requirements
- Revisions to non-substantive language to update references in various sections of theregulations.
- The proposed amendments do not affect small businesses.
- Since the proposed amendments do not affect small businesses, the followingconsiderations are not applicable:
- Reporting, record keeping or other administrative costs required of smallbusinesses for compliance associated with the amendments.
- Appropriateness of performance standards vs. design standards.
- Regulations of this agency or any other state agency, which may duplicate orconflict with the proposed amendments.
- Analysis of whether the proposed amendments are likely to deter or encouragethe formation of new business in the state.
Submitted By:
Rhoda E. Schneider, on behalf of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Date: 11/21/25
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Executive Office of Health and Human Services
101 CMR 416.00
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Under the authority of M.G.L. c. 118E and in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) will hold a remote public hearing on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. relative to the adoption of amendments to the following regulation.
101 CMR 416.00: Rates for Clubhouse Services
The proposed regulation contains rates effective for dates of service on or after January 1, 2026. There is no fiscal impact on cities and towns.
101 CMR 416.00 governs the payment rates for clubhouse services provided to publicly aided individuals by governmental units. The Department of Mental Health (DMH) purchases services with rates established by this regulation.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13D (f/k/a Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2008), EOHHS is required to establish, by regulation, and biennially review rates to be paid by governmental units to providers of social service programs. In accordance with this requirement, the rates for clubhouse services are being updated to include an increase by a cost adjustment factor (CAF) of 2.53%. The CAF was determined by using baseline and prospective Massachusetts Economic Indicator data from IHS Economics – Spring 2025 Forecast, baseline scenario data. The CAF reflects the period between the rates’ base period (calendar year 2025 Q4) and the prospective period of calendar years 2026 and 2027. In addition to the CAF, the rates for all services have been updated to include all staff salaries, benchmarked to the most recent Massachusetts Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wages dated May 2024 at the 53rd percentile. The tax and fringe rate has been benchmarked to 24.97% and the administrative allocation has been benchmarked to 12%.
The anticipated fiscal impact from the amendments will result in an increase of $891,413 (2.74%) over FY25 spending of $32,506,042. The impact of this change will not be realized until January 1, 2026, so the FY26 fiscal impact will be $445,706. This increase in spending will be covered through the Chapter 257 Reserve Account.
To register to testify at the hearing and to get instructions on how to join the hearing online, go to www.mass.gov/info-details/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings. To join the hearing by phone, call (646) 558-8656 and enter meeting ID 935 397 8200# when prompted.
You may also submit written testimony instead of, or in addition to, live testimony. To submit written testimony, please email your testimony to ehs-regulations@mass.gov as an attached Word or PDF document or as text within the body of the email with the name of the regulation in the subject line. All written testimony must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Individuals who are unable to submit testimony by email should mail written testimony to EOHHS, c/o D. Briggs, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171. Written testimony will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025. EOHHS specifically invites comments as to how the amendments may affect beneficiary access to care for MassHealth-covered services.
To review the current draft of the proposed regulation, go to www.mass.gov/info-details/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings or request a copy in writing from MassHealth Publications, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171. To view or download related supporting materials, go to www.mass.gov/info-details/proposed-regulations-supporting-materials.
Special accommodation requests may be directed to the Disability Accommodations Ombudsman by email at ADAAccommodations@mass.gov or by phone at (617) 847-3468 (TTY: (617) 847-3788 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled). Please allow two weeks to schedule sign language interpreters.
EOHHS may adopt a revised version of the proposed regulation taking into account relevant comments and any other practical alternatives that come to its attention.
In case of inclement weather or other emergency, hearing cancellation announcements will be posted on the MassHealth website at www.mass.gov/info-details/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings.
November 21, 2025
CMR No: 101 CMR 416.00: Rates for Clubhouse Services
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
-
Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:
14
-
Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
No.
-
Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
No.
-
Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)No.
Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?
No.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?
Yes. The regulation requires providers to periodically file cost data. This cost reporting requirement is applied uniformly to all providers to enable EOHHS to develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The regulation is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as this regulation establishes rates by which providers of certain social service programs are to be paid when purchased by governmental units.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The regulation is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as this regulation establishes rates by which providers of certain social service programs are to be paid when purchased by governmental units.
Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The regulation contains requirements to report cost data to EOHHS to enable EOHHS to develop rates for certain social services. This cost reporting requirement is applied uniformly to all providers to enable EOHHS to develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.
Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The agency did not consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses. The requirement to report cost data to EOHHS is applied uniformly to enable EOHHS to timely develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards?
No. The establishment of rates for certain social service providers by regulation is a statutory requirement under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13D.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No. The regulation does not have an adverse impact on small businesses. The regulation establishes rates by which certain social service providers are to be paid when services are purchased by governmental units. The establishment of rates for these social services by regulation is a statutory requirement under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13D.
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Center for Health Information and Analysis
957 CMR 5.00, 6.00 & 7.00
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 12C and in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) will hold a remote public hearing on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. relative to the adoption of the following new regulation:
957 CMR 5.00 – HEALTH CARE CLAIMS, CASE MIX AND CHARGE DATA RELEASE PROCEDURES
957 CMR 6.00 – COST REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
957 CMR 7.00 – NURSING FACILITIES COST REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The proposed amendments to 957 CMR 5.00 update and streamline CHIA’s data release process while ensuring adequate protections are in place, including those required by Chapter 16 of the Acts of 2025. The proposed amendments to 957 CMR 6.00 remove outdated references in the regulation and update language to be consistent with other CHIA regulations. The proposed amendments to 957 CMR 7.00 update the regulation to reflect changes to CHIA’s authority under M.G.L. c. 12C made by Chapter 343 of the Acts of 2024.
It is anticipated that entities covered by these regulations will incur no additional administrative costs resulting from the proposed new regulation. The new regulation will have no fiscal impact on cities and towns and is not anticipated to have any fiscal impact on small businesses.
If you plan to testify at the hearing, CHIA strongly encourages you to register in advance by emailing regulations@chiamass.gov. Individuals may also submit written testimony to the same email address. Please include the name of the regulation in the subject line of your email. All submissions must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation (if applicable). Individuals who are unable to submit testimony by email should mail written testimony to the Center for Health Information and Analysis, 501 Boylston Street, Suite 5100, Boston, MA 02116. Written testimony must be submitted by 5:00 P.M. on Monday, January 19, 2026. This notice and copies of the proposed regulations may be viewed on CHIA’s website at www.chiamass.gov/regulations.
To join the remote hearing online, go to: us02web.zoom.us/j/82550326188?pwd=5hGGHwxrmEVRtvCIEWMhiUDybtKw8u.1, and enter Meeting ID: 825 5032 6188 and Passcode: 070016.
To join the remote hearing by phone, call 1-646-518-9805 or 1-646-558-8656, and enter Meeting ID: 825 5032 6188 and Passcode: 070016 when prompted.
957 C.M.R. 5.00
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
In order to accurately predict the impact the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a regulation will have on small businesses, the promulgating authority must conduct a thorough analysis that not only considers the potential effects of the action but also quantifies the costs, if any, associated with each. The questions below are designed to aid promulgating authorities in conducting their analysis.
Agency Submitting Regulation: Center for Health Information and Analysis (“CHIA”)
Subject Matter of Regulation: Data Release Procedures
Regulation No: 957 C.M.R. 5.00
Statutory Authority: M.G.L. c. 12C
Other Agencies Affected: None
Other Regulations That May Duplicate or Conflict with the Regulation: None
Describe the Scope and Objectives of the Regulation: This regulation enhances CHIA’s data release process by creating a streamlined, purpose-based release structure with enhanced privacy protections.
Business Industry(ies) Affected by the Regulation: Health care
Types of Businesses Included in the Industry(ies): Health care researchers and other users of CHIA data.
Total Number of Small Businesses Included in the Regulated Industry(ies) Please see the attached guidance documents for assistance determining the total number of small businesses: None
Number of Small Businesses Potentially Subject to the Proposed Regulation: None
Effective Date Used In Cost Estimate: November 20, 2025
-
Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
No.
-
Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to implement additional recordkeeping procedures.
-
Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to provide additional administrative oversight.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to hire other professionals.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)Not applicable. The regulation imposes neither performance nor design standards.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities.
Will the regulation have the effect of creating additional taxes and/or fees for small businesses?
No. The proposed regulations will not create additional taxes and/or fees for small businesses.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The proposed regulations are not likely to deter the formation of small businesses.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The proposed regulations are not likely to encourage the formation of small businesses.
Can the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. To the extent the regulation imposes compliance requirements, such requirements are required by law and/or necessary to maintain data privacy and security.
Can the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. To the extent the regulation imposes compliance requirements, such requirements are required by law and/or necessary to maintain data privacy and security.
Can the compliance or reporting requirements be consolidated or simplified for small businesses?
No. To the extent the regulation imposes compliance requirements, such requirements are required by law and/or necessary to maintain data privacy and security.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards?
Not applicable. The regulation imposes neither performance nor design standards.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No. The proposed regulations are not expected to have an adverse impact on small businesses.
Were any small businesses or small business organizations contacted during the preparation of this document? If so, please describe.
No. The proposed regulations are not expected to affect small businesses.
957 C.M.R. 6.00 and 957 CMR 7.00
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
In order to accurately predict the impact the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a regulation will have on small businesses, the promulgating authority must conduct a thorough analysis that not only considers the potential effects of the action but also quantifies the costs, if any, associated with each. The questions below are designed to aid promulgating authorities in conducting their analysis.
Agency Submitting Regulation: Center for Health Information and Analysis (“CHIA”)
Subject Matter of Regulation: Provider Cost Reporting; Nursing Facilities Cost Reporting; Monetary Penalties
Regulation No: 957 C.M.R. 6.00 and 957 CMR 7.00
Statutory Authority: M.G.L. c. 12C
Other Agencies Affected: None
Other Regulations That May Duplicate or Conflict with the Regulation: None
Describe the Scope and Objectives of the Regulation: These regulations implement CHIA’s cost reporting requirements for Providers generally under 957 CMR 6.00 and for Nursing Facilities specifically under 957 CMR 7.00. The amendments to these regulations update the regulatory language for consistency across CHIA regulations and include newly created reporting requirements that were added to CHIA’s statute, M.G.L. c. 12C, by Chapter 343 of the Acts of 2024. The amendments to 957 CMR 7.00 also update monetary penalty amounts consistent with Chapters 342 and 343 of the Acts of 2024.
Business Industry(ies) Affected by the Regulation: Health care
Types of Businesses Included in the Industry(ies): MassHealth health care providers; nursing facilities
Total Number of Small Businesses Included in the Regulated Industry(ies) Please see the attached guidance documents for assistance determining the total number of small businesses: None
Number of Small Businesses Potentially Subject to the Proposed Regulation: None
Effective Date Used In Cost Estimate: November 20, 2025
-
Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to create, file, or issue additional reports.
-
Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to implement additional recordkeeping procedures.
-
Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to provide additional administrative oversight.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to hire other professionals.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)Not applicable. The regulation imposes neither performance nor design standards.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities.
Will the regulation have the effect of creating additional taxes and/or fees for small businesses?
No. The proposed regulations will not create additional taxes and/or fees for small businesses.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No. The proposed regulations will not require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The proposed regulations are not likely to deter the formation of small businesses.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The proposed regulations are not likely to encourage the formation of small businesses.
Can the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The proposed regulations apply uniform, statutorily required reporting requirements to each covered entity to ensure Massachusetts has consistent, comprehensive health care databases.
Can the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The regulation applies uniform schedules for each covered entity to ensure Massachusetts has consistent, comprehensive health care databases.
Can the compliance or reporting requirements be consolidated or simplified for small businesses?
No. The regulation applies uniform schedules for each covered entity to ensure Massachusetts has consistent, comprehensive health care databases.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards?
No. The proposed regulations create uniform data reporting standards for each covered entity to ensure Massachusetts has consistent, comprehensive health care databases.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No. The proposed regulations are not expected to have an adverse impact on small businesses.
Were any small businesses or small business organizations contacted during the preparation of this document? If so, please describe.
No. The proposed regulations are not expected to affect small businesses.
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Division of Marine Fisheries
322 CMR 4.00, 7.00 & 15.00
Notice of Public Hearing and Comment Period Draft Regulations to Establish a Framework to Permit and Regulate the Removal, Possession, and Disposal of Fishing Gear Debris
Under the provisions of G.L. c. 30A, and pursuant to the authority found at G.L. c. 130 § 31, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is taking public comment on a series of draft regulations to amend 322 CMR 4.01, 7.01, and 15.08 to establish a framework to permit and regulate the removal, possession, and disposal of fishing gear debris.
Public Hearing and Comment Schedule
DMF will accept written public comment through 5PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Please submit written comments to Director Daniel McKiernan by e-mail (marine.fish@mass.gov). Additionally, DMF will host a virtual public hearing on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 6PM via Zoom. You can register to attend this public hearing via this Zoom registration link.
Regulatory Proposal
- Regulatory Framework (322 CMR 4.01).
- Adopt relevant definitions, including “fishing gear”, “fishing gear debris”, “intact”, “intact commercial trap/pot gear”, and “intact recreational trap pot gear” so as to differentiate between fishing gear subject to private property rights and fishing gear debris that may be handled and disposed of through the proposed regulatory framework.
- Authorize the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Massachusetts Environmental Police to — at any time — remove, possess, and dispose of any fishing gear debris.
- Authorize any person or entity to — at any time — remove, possess, and dispose of fishing gear debris occurring above mean low-tide.
- Allow any commercial fisher using mobile gear to possess and remove of fishing gear debris incidentally taken during lawful fishing operations while maintaining the existing prohibition on these fishers destroying, injuring, or otherwise molesting fishing gear.
- Provide DMF discretionary authority to issue a Special Project Permit to a qualified person or entity to remove, possess, and dispose of fishing gear debris found below mean low-tide subject to an application that demonstrates the expertise of the applicant, the likelihood of the project’s success, and the ability for the project to avoid gear conflicts and prevent interactions with fishing gear.
- Special Project Permit (322 CMR 7.01). Update the regulatory language for the Special Project Permit to include the removal and disposal of fishing gear debris.
- Aquaculture Gear Marking (322 CMR 15.08). Reinforce municipal requirements that all aquaculture gear be sufficiently tagged and marked with information that makes the aquaculture gear identifiable to a permit holder so as to enable municipal authorities to address the recovery of derelict aquaculture gear.
CMR No: 322 CMR 4.00, 7.00 and 15.00
Small Business Impact Statement
-
Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:
DMF does not anticipate this regulation will directly impact any small business in Massachusetts. Rather, this establishes a regulatory framework that enables the clean-up of fishing gear debris from the Commonwealth’s shores and coastal waters. The most common type of fishing gear debris is pot/trap gear, of which there are about 1,000 permit holders who may incidentally contribute to the accumulation of fishing gear in the Commonwealth.
-
Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
No.
-
Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
No.
-
Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)No. These draft regulations seek to establish a regulatory framework to enable and permit the removal and disposal of fishing gear debris from the Commonwealth’s shoreline and coastal waters consistent with G.L. c. 130, §31.
Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?
No.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?
No. All audits and inspections are done in accordance with M.G.L. c. 130. No additional inspections are required by this draft regulation.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The draft regulations will not affect the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No.
Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The draft regulations do not establish or address compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses.
Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The draft regulations do not establish or address compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses.
Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The draft regulations do not establish or address compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?
No. These draft regulations seek to establish a regulatory framework to enable and permit the removal and disposal of fishing gear debris from the Commonwealth’s shoreline and coastal waters consistent with G.L. c. 130, §31.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No. These draft regulations seek to establish a regulatory framework to enable and permit the removal and disposal of fishing gear debris from the Commonwealth’s shoreline and coastal waters consistent with G.L. c. 130, §31.
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Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission
840 CMR 28.00
PURSUANT TO SECTION 50 of Chapter 7 of the General Laws, the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) is promulgating regulations relating to the use of Electronic Signatures (840 CMR 28.00) by PE RAC and the 104 Retirement Boards. The Commission hereby provides notice of a public comment period regarding the Commission's proposed new regulations. A Remote hearing regarding the proposal will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. -11 :00 a.m. Directions to access the hearings can be located at PERAC's website www.mass.gov/perac. The Commission will accept written comments through January 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Comments may be sent to PERAC, 10 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Medford, MA 02155 or electronically by email to Doreen.m.duane@mass.gov. Copies of the draft regulations may be obtained by contacting Doreen at 617-666- 4446 ext. 954 or Doreen.m.duane@mass.gov.
November 13, 2025
Secretary William Galvin
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
State Publications and Regulations Division
State House, Room 117
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Secretary Galvin:
This statement, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2 and 5, accompanies the filing by the Public
Employee Retirement Administration Commission of a proposed amended regulation, 840 CMR
28.00 Electronic Signatures.
The Commission has determined that the regulations do not have an impact on small businesses as the regulations relate only to public employee retirement systems in Massachusetts. There will be no costs to small businesses as they are not subject to these regulations. This regulation does not set performance or design standards for small businesses as the regulation only relates to public retirement systems and permits the use of electronic witness signatures. The regulations do not conflict with any other regulations. These regulations do not regulate private businesses and therefore will not deter or encourage small business formation.
Please direct any inquiries regarding this regulation to the Commission’s Assistant Deputy Director, Patrick M. Charles, (617) 666-4446, Ext 914.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
William T. Keefe
Executive Director