By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1555) of Edward J. Kennedy, Michael J. Barrett and Michael O. Moore for legislation to decrease food waste by standardizing the date labeling of food. Public Health.
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 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. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1870) of Adam Gomez for legislation relative to victim witness advocate retirement classification. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill limits electric and gas utility companies' allowed return on equity (a measure of profit) to the average approved in neighboring states (Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire) over the past four years. It directly affects Massachusetts utility companies seeking rate increases through state regulatory proceedings. The bill prohibits approving a higher return than this regional average, with limited exceptions only if a company's constitutional rights would otherwise be violated. It specifically excludes compensation from certain efficiency programs and performance incentives when calculating the allowed return.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1756) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to repeal pay-to-stay fees for inmates. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 367) of Adam Gomez and Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to student representative voting rights. Education.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 997) of Adam Gomez for legislation to create an office of tenant protections within the executive office of housing and livable communities. Housing.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1653) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Jason M. Lewis, David Paul Linsky, Christopher Richard Flanagan and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to firearm industry accountability and gun violence victims’ access to justice. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 370) of Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to require that all public school educators are paid not less than a living wage as defined by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage Calculator. Education.
