On March 10, 2020 Governor Baker declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth because of the public health risks caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19. Immediate adoption of 801 CMR 57.00 is necessary during the state of emergency to address the hardship COVID-19 may cause to agencies conducting hearings pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A and to all parties involved in those hearings, and to ensure that hearings proceed in a manner that complies with the Governor's March 23, 2020 order on essential services and public gatherings.
801 CMR, 57, PREAMBLE