Report: Many State Boards Don't Meet, Should Be Dissolved

Massachusetts has dozens of state boards, commissions and task forces that no longer meet, don't file reports or simply have become irrelevant, a Senate committee concluded.

The Post Audit and Oversight Committee said it reviewed nearly 400 state entities and offered a series of recommendations to fix the problems.

Many of the boards and commissions that had been created over the years continued to exist, though many do not meet, the report said. In fact, some appear to have never met at all.

Additionally, the boards often have empty seats because members have not been appointed or reappointed after their terms expired.

Among the recommendations made by the Senate panel was identifying and dissolving those boards and commissions that are no longer necessary and clarifying state law to ensure that once a commission completes its required report, its responsibilities end there.

The report also called on officials to make a greater effort to find residents who are qualified and want to serve on boards, and streamline background checks on those prospective members.

"These recommendations offer a clear path toward more transparency and efficiency, and a stronger connection between the state and its citizens," said Sen. Cynthia Creem, D-Newton, who chairs the oversight committee.

The governor's official website should also be updated to provide an accurate and up-to-date listing of all boards and commissions, the report said.