Senate Panel Recommends Some Boards And Commissions Be Eliminated

Massachusetts has dozens of state boards, commissions and task forces that no longer meet or file reports, or have simply become irrelevant.

That's according to a report issued by a Senate committee that reviewed nearly 400 state entities and offered a serious of recommendations to fix the problems.

The panel found that many of boards and commissions that have been created over the years continue to exist, but many do not meet. In fact, some appear to have never met at all.

Many boards also have empty seats because members have not been appointed or reappointed.

The Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee called on the state to identify and dissolve unnecessary panels, and take steps to find people qualified to serve on those that still have a useful purpose.