H 897 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to the Quabbin watershed and regional equity

This bill creates a new state fund to support the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Communities with money specifically for municipal services, public safety, and local development. It establishes a new fee on water usage from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, directing at least 90% of the collected revenue into this dedicated trust. The law mandates that the majority of the fund's spending go directly to these communities for operations and capital projects, while limiting the portion available to non-profits and other specific initiatives. Additionally, the bill increases the minimum annual payment in lieu of taxes for towns holding Quabbin land and expands the number of board members representing Connecticut River Basin interests.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
May 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jun 10, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
May 30, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Mar 18, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors