Rep. Michelle DuBois

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits new power generation facilities from being built within one mile of schools, playgrounds, day-care centers, churches, residential areas, or designated environmental justice communities. The law requires that the distance be measured from the facility to the outermost edge of these protected zones, ensuring a clear buffer between energy plants and sensitive locations. However, the rule does not apply to repairs or replacements of existing facilities that do not increase their power output. By establishing these specific distance limits, the legislation aims to prevent the siting of new generation sites near populated and ecologically significant areas.

By Representative Ryan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3221) of Daniel J. Ryan and Michelle M. DuBois for legislation to authorize the Department of Energy to investigate household energy costs. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Ryan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3222) of Daniel J. Ryan and Michelle M. DuBois relative to improving gas safety in excavation. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes the Mass Save program by placing it under the direct governance of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center board. It establishes a three-year term for an executive director who will manage the program's operations and coordinate with other state agencies. A key provision requires the creation of a single online portal to simplify access to energy efficiency and decarbonization services for residents and businesses. The legislation also mandates annual reporting to state officials on how Mass Save contributes to greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to prevent utility companies from passing the costs of building or expanding interstate gas pipelines onto their customers. Specifically, it prohibits the Department of Public Utilities from approving contracts for gas purchases or storage if those agreements involve new construction or expansion of interstate infrastructure. The legislation directly affects utility providers and the ratepayers who pay for their services by ensuring that expansion costs are not included in bills.

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3152) of Tackey Chan and others relative to the use of double utility poles of distribution or telephone companies. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts' existing bottle deposit law to include a wider range of drinkable liquids, such as water and sports drinks, while explicitly excluding items like milk, infant formula, and small-scale juice producers. Under the new rules, the refundable deposit on beverage containers would increase from five cents to ten cents, applying to most prepackaged containers up to 2.5 liters for non-carbonated drinks and 3 liters for carbonated ones. The legislation also adjusts the size requirement for businesses to qualify for exemptions from refunding requirements, raising the threshold from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Additionally, it clarifies that redemption centers and reverse vending machines must pay the refund immediately unless a customer opts into an account system.

By Representative Barrett of North Adams, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3141) of John Barrett, III, Michelle M. DuBois and Smitty Pignatelli relative to municipal access to utility poles located in municipal rights-of-way. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3156) of Michelle L. Ciccolo and Michelle M. DuBois relative to authorizing municipalities to relocate certain utility poles, wires or attachments. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study challenges facing public libraries and their digital resource collections. The commission will investigate costs, consumer satisfaction, privacy concerns, and how licensing for digital materials differs from traditional print resources. It will also review actions taken by other states and make recommendations to support diverse collections and protect patron data. Additionally, the bill prohibits library contracts from restricting the sharing of license terms or requiring libraries to violate patron confidentiality, labeling such violations as unfair business practices. The commission is set to submit its findings and recommendations by October 15, 2025.