Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Climate Change Adaptation Cost Recovery Act to establish a superfund that recovers costs from entities responsible for climate pollution. It defines "climate change adaptive infrastructure projects" broadly to include measures like coastal protection, stormwater upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements for both public and private buildings. Under the proposed law, polluters would be required to pay into this fund to help finance these resilience projects, shifting the financial burden of climate adaptation from taxpayers to those contributing to the problem. The legislation also sets specific definitions for terms like "applicable payment date" and "controlled group" to ensure consistent application of the funding rules.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new clean fuel standard in Massachusetts that requires transportation fuel providers to reduce their aggregate carbon emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by the year 2050. The law applies to all fuel suppliers, including those providing electricity for transportation, and mandates that emissions be calculated based on the entire lifecycle of the fuel, from production to consumer use. To meet these targets, the Department of Energy Resources will create a market where companies can trade credits; providers that exceed the emission limits can generate credits by selling low-carbon fuels, while those falling short must purchase credits to offset their excess emissions. The bill also directs the department to set up a phased schedule that gradually lowers the maximum allowable carbon intensity for fuels over time to ensure steady progress toward the 2050 goal.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts municipalities to prioritize buying zero-emission vehicles for official use whenever they are available and practical. If zero-emission options are not yet available or feasible, local governments must instead purchase fuel-efficient vehicles. The law applies to all municipal and local governmental bodies within the state, updating existing rules to focus on reducing vehicle emissions.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to postpartum home visiting services for new parents and their newborns in Massachusetts by requiring health insurance plans to cover these visits without deductibles or co-pays. The legislation directs the Department of Public Health to create a statewide system that offers evidence-based support, including health screenings, nutritional guidance, and referrals to community resources, within eight weeks after birth. Providers must check if patients have other insurance coverage first, but the state acts as a payer of last resort to ensure services are available regardless of income or family size. Additionally, the law mandates that these programs report data to the department to monitor effectiveness and reduce health disparities among different populations.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2506) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford, Natalie M. Blais, Rebecca L. Rausch, John J. Cronin and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a state disaster relief fund for emergency management. Emergency Preparedness and Management.
April 11. 2024 -- The committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2506) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford, Natalie M. Blais, Rebecca L. Rausch, John J. Cronin and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a state disaster relief fund for emergency management, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2724).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors performing repairs on public gas and electric infrastructure to follow specific state laws regarding labor standards and prevailing wages. It mandates that utility companies provide prevailing wage rate sheets to the Department of Labor every six months for each municipality where work is conducted. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Labor to create rules for a certification program within one year that will train and certify contractors and their employees working on public utility infrastructure. These measures aim to increase safety and transparency in the repair of public utility systems by ensuring fair labor practices and professional qualifications.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to provide direct support to municipal lighting plants in Massachusetts as they work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It authorizes the state to offer these local utilities training, analysis tools, information on eligible programs, and sample design materials to help them prioritize electrification strategies. The assistance is specifically conditioned on promoting compliance with the state's existing greenhouse gas emission limits and reduction goals.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to expand solar energy incentives specifically for renters and low-income households. It establishes clear income thresholds for eligibility, allowing individuals earning up to 80% of the area median income or 200% of the federal poverty level to participate, while also including small businesses and low-income multi-unit buildings. To ensure access, the legislation requires proof of income through various government assistance programs or census data, explicitly bans credit checks and early termination fees for residential subscribers, and mandates monthly updates to credit distributions. Additionally, the bill exempts owners of low-income multi-unit buildings from certain project limits and requires the relevant state departments to create implementing regulations within 180 days.