This bill requires Massachusetts gas companies to evaluate non-gas alternatives (like electrification) before expanding or replacing gas infrastructure. It prohibits gas companies from recovering costs for new gas projects unless they prove alternatives were considered and found unfeasible, and mandates a gradual shift in spending away from gas infrastructure replacement toward clean thermal energy projects by 2035. Gas and electric utilities must jointly create 5-year "tactical transition plans" to reduce emissions while maintaining affordability, including retiring gas pipes and installing clean energy systems. The bill also bans hydrogen injection into residential gas systems (except for specific industrial uses) and requires utilities to share costs for transitioning buildings to non-gas thermal energy. These changes directly affect gas utility companies, building owners, and ratepayers through their energy infrastructure and costs.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2612) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to provide for utility shutoff protections during periods of extreme heat. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
This bill amends a section of Massachusetts electricity law to change the duration of basic service contracts for electricity customers. It replaces the current rule allowing contracts for "up to six months" with a provision specifying the contract period must match "the period of time resulting from the competitive bidding process." This directly affects electricity customers enrolled in basic service (typically those without competitive provider options), tying their contract length to the timeline of the state's competitive bidding for electricity supply. The change modifies a specific legal phrase without introducing new policy or affecting other aspects of the electricity market.
HD 5228 authorizes the City of Lawrence to exchange a 77-square-foot portion of James J. O'Neil Park (at Lawrence Street and Chestnut Street) for a 363-square-foot parcel of adjacent land. The swap must be for recreation purposes, with both parcels remaining protected for open space, conservation, and passive recreation under Massachusetts law. The bill ensures the transferred park land continues to comply with constitutional protections (Article 97) and Chapter 40, Section 8C, which restrict park use to conservation and recreation. This procedural bill directly affects Lawrence’s City Council and Conservation Commission by enabling a specific land exchange. It does not create new policy but formalizes a limited, constitutionally compliant land transfer.
By Representative Turco of Winthrop, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco relative to the training, certification, and recognition of constables and civil deputy sheriffs. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Senate, June 23, 2026 -- Order (Senator Rodrigues) relative to procedures to be followed when considering the House Bill relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness (House, No. 5175)
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2120) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to remove the term hearing impaired from the general laws. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Mr. Durant and Mr.Ashe of Longmeadow, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3091) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Peter J. Durant, Brian M. Ashe, Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to create crumbling concrete relief for homeowners. Financial Services.
This bill allocates $300 million in state funding to boost economic growth, job creation, and innovation across Massachusetts through various grant programs. The money supports private businesses expanding facilities with climate-friendly features, developing artificial intelligence technologies, and establishing new sites for early-stage companies. Additional funds are designated for defense sector innovation, robotics research, local downtown revitalization, agricultural technology, and arts infrastructure improvements. The legislation also amends existing laws to extend the maximum consecutive years a specific state official can serve in their current role.
This bill (HD 3226) creates a new "Secretary of Equity" position within state government and adds "health equity" as a core requirement across health-related laws. It defines "priority populations" as groups disproportionately affected by health disparities and mandates that health agencies incorporate health equity into all decisions, including requiring a "chief health equity officer" (Section 8). The bill also establishes new reporting requirements for health care spending trends, including data on health inequities (Section 17), and sets aggregate expenditure targets for primary care and behavioral health services (Section 9A). It directly affects state health agencies, healthcare providers, and priority populations by requiring systemic changes to address health disparities.
Senate, June 11, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to primary care for you (Senate, No. 867),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3116).
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3099) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to implement fines on motorboat operators engaged in wakesurfing activity in close proximity to the shoreline. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
