Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.
Rep. James Arena-DeRosa
Sponsored bills
Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2350) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to facilitate cost efficient transportation; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2409) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to permitting fees for operating multiple vehicles under a single farm plate registration; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2420) of Paul W. Mark and James C. Arena-DeRosa for legislation to reduce emissions from the journey a truck takes to deliver or pick up goods; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2606) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to modernize permitting for the transportation of certain loads, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2872).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to develop an emergency plan supporting agricultural, seafood, and processed food production during crises, coordinated across state agencies. It mandates an annual report tracking local food distribution through state-funded food assistance programs (like school meals and Meals on Wheels), including quantities, types, sourcing farms, and program-specific data. The report must include recommendations for increasing local food use while maintaining affordability and will be published online and submitted to legislative committees. This directly affects state agencies, food assistance programs, and farms supplying locally grown or produced food. The plan must be reviewed every five years and updated as needed.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded "Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund" managed by the Department of Agricultural Resources to convert vacant urban properties into farms and community gardens. The fund supports land acquisition, infrastructure development, and startup costs for projects prioritizing environmental justice communities - areas defined by Chapter 30 - to boost food security, economic development, and climate-resilient farming. Grants will cover collaborative planning, land purchases, renovations, and pilot programs in underserved neighborhoods. The department must report annually on grant recipients, funding amounts, and projects serving environmental justice areas.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to investigate sewage sludge management due to PFAS contamination found in all wastewater treatment plants. The Department of Environmental Protection must study current disposal methods, costs, and locations (like landfills or incinerators), then create a public master plan with goals for reducing sludge toxicity and volume. The plan will prioritize funding and technical help for wastewater facilities, especially in underserved communities, and include new grant programs to support cleaner treatment technologies. Farmers are granted immunity from lawsuits over PFAS in soil/products from standard practices, unless they produced or spread PFAS-containing materials like biosolids. The bill mandates regular public updates and plan revisions every 10 years to address evolving science and infrastructure needs.
Maddy summaryThis bill defines "truck-trailer unit" as a motor vehicle with at least three axles paired with a trailer having at least two axles (e.g., dump trucks). It amends a section of the General Laws to include "truck-trailer unit" in legal vehicle classifications alongside existing terms like "semi-trailer unit." The bill is procedural and does not impose new emission limits or operational requirements. It solely updates terminology for future regulatory or enforcement purposes.
Maddy summaryHD 2052 requires private facilities under the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (including community-based residential homes and group homes) to install video cameras in all entrances, exits, and common areas like dining and recreation spaces for continuous monitoring. The bill mandates the department to create rules for camera use and establish a system to maintain recorded footage. This directly affects the safety monitoring practices of these facilities and their residents. The law overrides existing laws to implement this specific video monitoring requirement.
By Representative Duffy of Holyoke, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 121) of Patricia A. Duffy and others relative to the conversion of vacant lots to farms, community gardens, and other agricultural enterprises in environmental justice populations. Agriculture.
By Representatives Moran of Lawrence and Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Frank A. Moran, Adam J. Scanlon and others for legislation to establish a special task force (including members of the General Court) to review and report on vocational admissions policies. Education.
By Representative Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 109) of James C. Arena-DeRosa and others relative to farming and damages caused by PFAS. Agriculture.