Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to create a comprehensive energy plan every three years, starting in 2026, to project electricity, transportation, and heating needs while prioritizing conservation and efficiency to meet the state's 2030 and 2040 climate goals. It also mandates that state energy agencies monitor supply and costs, and if a shortage or consumer cost increase exceeding 10% is forecast within a year, they must develop a public contingency plan. The plan must detail the cause, proposed actions, responsible agencies, and timeline, and include at least one public hearing and input from relevant state entities. This ensures proactive planning for energy reliability and affordability, with all plans made publicly available.
Sen. Bruce Tarr
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $300 million Zero Carbon Renovation Fund administered by multiple state agencies to support energy-efficient building upgrades. It directly affects affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, public schools, municipal buildings, and certified small businesses across Massachusetts. The fund covers renovations that make buildings highly energy efficient, use all-electric systems, include on-site renewable energy, and use low-carbon materials, while also funding necessary remediation like lead paint removal or electrical upgrades. Priority is given to environmental justice communities and "gateway cities," with funds carried forward annually instead of reverting to the general budget.
Maddy summarySD 161 amends a section of the General Laws governing renewable energy production. The bill removes the phrase "such solar" and inserts "solar" after every instance of the word "each" in the specified subsection. This change ensures the law explicitly applies to solar energy technologies within the existing regulatory framework. The bill directly affects how solar energy production projects are regulated under the amended law. It is a technical clarification to align the statute with solar energy-specific provisions.
By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1900) of Michael F. Rush and John J. Cronin for legislation relative to creditable service for retirement purposes for non-public school service. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state housing agency to conduct a study examining current rates charged by providers of emergency shelter and transitional housing. It specifically focuses on how these rates impact shelter operations and affordability for residents. The study will analyze existing rate structures without mandating any immediate changes to those rates. This action affects shelter providers (like homeless shelters) and the state agency responsible for housing policy, but does not alter current funding or service requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 625) amends Massachusetts law to require that applicants for the HomeBase housing assistance program must have resided in the Commonwealth for at least one year to qualify. It directly affects individuals seeking housing support through HomeBase, adding a new residency requirement to the existing eligibility criteria. The key provision inserts a specific one-year residency rule into the program's legal definition, changing who can apply. This is a concrete policy change to program eligibility under state law.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow municipal light boards to provide services and equipment to other public utilities beyond their own service areas. Specifically, Section 47B(b) authorizes municipal light boards to assist municipal, state, tribal, or other publicly-owned utilities (including those outside Massachusetts) with constructing, maintaining, or repairing poles, wires, streetlights, and related equipment. Municipalities can also sell or lease related equipment under these arrangements. The changes apply to all public entities defined in Chapter 40, Section 4A, including tribal utilities under federal law. The bill does not change existing service areas but expands cooperative opportunities between public utility entities.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1627) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to establish a commission on quality patient outcomes and nurse staffing. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum employee count for "small group" health insurance eligibility from 50 to 75 employees. It directly affects small businesses with 51 to 75 employees, now allowing them to qualify as small groups for insurance purposes. The key provision amends a specific section of state law to adjust this numerical threshold. This change expands the number of businesses eligible for small group insurance coverage under existing regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an advisory council of wildlife experts and tribal representatives to guide offshore wind development in Massachusetts, focusing on protecting species like North Atlantic right whales and coastal habitats. It creates new support programs for communities hosting offshore wind projects, giving them priority access to state funding for infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The bill also mandates a special commission to study the offshore wind supply chain, workforce needs, and economic opportunities, requiring recommendations on equity and environmental justice. Additionally, it amends existing laws to strengthen wildlife monitoring requirements and expand incentives for communities hosting clean energy facilities.