Rep. Simon Cataldo

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new $1 billion fund called the Water Infrastructure Improvement Fund to help Massachusetts cities and towns pay for clean water projects. The money will specifically support the maintenance of drinking water systems, the replacement of lead pipes, and upgrades to waste and storm water infrastructure. Local governments must follow rules set by the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to access these funds, which can be used for projects that have already started or are completed. The bill also establishes a formula to calculate how much money each municipality receives based on factors like population, road mileage, and local employment levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to create a grant program designed to help municipalities, businesses, and nonprofits expand access to electric bicycles. The funding can be used to buy and maintain e-bikes, cover related infrastructure costs, and pay for labor and administrative expenses associated with bike-sharing or ownership programs. To qualify, applicants must run a program using electric bicycles and agree to provide some matching funds while following reporting rules. The department is also instructed to prioritize grants for projects located in environmental justice or disproportionately impacted communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Better Buildings Act within Massachusetts law to set energy performance standards for large buildings, defined as those with at least 20,000 square feet. The Department of Energy Resources will establish rules requiring these buildings to meet specific limits on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim targets set every five years starting in 2025. Owners of these buildings must report their annual energy consumption, and the department will make this data publicly available. The standards will apply to various building types and occupancies, with the department having the authority to define subcategories and adjust thresholds as needed.

By Representative Cataldo of Concord, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Simon Cataldo relative to retirement benefits for licensed electricians employed at regional school districts. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities, towns, and water districts to create special funds to finance environmental improvements related to water use. Under the new law, these local entities can charge a fee based on increased water or sewer demand to support projects like stormwater recharge, water conservation, habitat restoration, and infrastructure upgrades. The collected money must be kept in separate accounts and used only for the specific water-related environmental measures listed in the act, without needing additional state approval for spending. Local governments retain the authority to decide how to collect and manage these funds, and they may also accept donations or federal grants to supplement the resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Concord to require a minimum fee of ten cents for checkout bags provided by retail businesses within its limits. It defines checkout bags as those given to customers at the point of sale, while explicitly excluding produce bags, pharmacy prescription bags, and protective clothing covers. The collected fees must be kept by the stores rather than the town, and the charge must be listed separately on receipts. The town manager is empowered to create specific rules and enforce compliance with this new fee structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Acton to require a minimum fee of $0.15 for checkout bags provided by retail stores within its borders. The law applies to various businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants, but excludes bags used for specific purposes like carrying produce, hazardous chemicals, or protecting clothing. Retailers must separately list this charge on customer receipts, and the collected fees remain the property of the business rather than going to the town. The Acton Board of Health is responsible for overseeing the implementation and can adjust regulations as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new commission to study the practicality of a program where the government could voluntarily buy homes and buildings located in flood-prone areas. The commission will be led by state officials from climate, energy, and emergency management agencies, alongside representatives from housing, environmental protection, and various advocacy groups focused on justice and conservation. Its main task is to analyze current and future flood risks using scientific data and determine what such a purchase program would require, including costs and procedures. The commission must submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the state legislature once its work is complete.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special citizens commission to investigate how Massachusetts can transition away from nuclear weapons production toward green technologies that address climate change. The commission will examine the state's current dependence on nuclear weapons-related jobs and investments, then propose financial and legal strategies to shift those resources to climate-focused industries while identifying necessary federal assistance. The eleven-member panel will be appointed by state officials and a coalition of peace and environmental groups, with strict rules ensuring no current employees of nuclear facilities serve on the group.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund called the Racially Inclusive Curriculum Trust Fund to support schools in developing and implementing racially inclusive educational materials. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would manage the fund, which can be financed through state appropriations, interest, and private donations, and the money would not be subject to annual budget cuts. The legislation authorizes the department to use these funds for creating curriculum frameworks, providing professional development training for teachers, and issuing grants to public schools and districts. Additionally, the bill establishes a specific grant program that requires applicants to demonstrate how their proposed curriculum can be replicated across other districts.