Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric distribution companies in Massachusetts to create and submit a five-year plan for modernizing their grids to better integrate local energy resources like solar panels, energy storage, and electric vehicles. The legislation mandates that these companies evaluate how such resources can reduce outages, lower costs, and improve safety while providing specific protections for low-income customers, such as remote shutoff safeguards. Additionally, the bill establishes a new Grid Modernization Consumer Board to review these plans and sets a deadline for the state to conclude current grid proceedings by the end of 2023. By creating a structured process for planning and incentivizing local energy investments, the law aims to streamline how utilities upgrade infrastructure to support cleaner energy sources.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to promote solar energy projects on developed sites like parking lots, brownfields, and landfills instead of open natural areas. It achieves this by allowing larger solar systems on built land to qualify for specific net metering benefits and by directing the state to offer financial incentives for such projects. The legislation also requires the state to investigate how existing federal and state funds can support these developments and to create new incentives for repairing roofs damaged during solar installation, with a deadline for implementation or explanation by December 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to change how monthly minimum reliability contributions are applied to electricity bills. It requires the state energy department to exempt these fees for low-income customers and those enrolled in community solar programs. Additionally, the bill gives the department the option to exempt or adjust these fees for municipal ratepayers. By removing or modifying these charges, the legislation aims to reduce costs for specific groups of electricity consumers.
Senate, June 6, 2024 -- Text of amendment (19) (offered by Senator Moore) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2806) to the Senate Bill to provide for the future information technology needs of Massachusetts
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts communities address contamination in drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. The fund will be financed through recovered amounts from lawsuits or settlements against manufacturers and sellers of PFAS-containing products, along with other designated transfers and donations. Expenditures from the fund will prioritize vulnerable environmental justice populations and can be used to provide grants to municipalities, counties, and health boards for remediation projects, treatment systems, and private well assistance. The law also establishes rules requiring grant recipients to repay the fund if they later recover costs from liable third parties and prohibits funding for projects caused by the applicant's own negligence.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations within the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety to oversee the safety and licensing of equipment used for lifting and moving heavy loads. The six-member board will be appointed by the governor and includes representatives from public utilities, construction contractors, safety trainers, federal safety experts, and operating engineers to ensure diverse perspectives. The board will develop rules for classifying machinery and set specific criteria for issuing, renewing, or revoking licenses for apprentice operators, requiring them to work under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. Additionally, the legislation establishes that violations of federal or state safety regulations can lead to the denial or suspension of these licenses.
Senate, May 23, 2024 -- Text of amendment (802) (offered by Senator Montigny) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 4) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.
By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2339) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund called the PFAS Research and Development Public Safety Fund to address health risks associated with PFAS chemicals, which are found in firefighting gear. The fund will be managed by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security and will be financed through state appropriations, grants, and investment earnings. Its primary purpose is to support the development, testing, and purchase of new firefighter turnout gear that eliminates PFAS materials while maintaining safety standards and improving protection against fire byproducts. Additionally, the fund can be used to research other new materials and designs that reduce dangers for firefighters, such as better resistance to contamination and easier cleaning processes.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to exempt public high schools from certain safety regulations when operating hoisting equipment for vocational technical education programs. The exemption applies only if the school meets specific existing requirements, the supervising instructor is present at all times, and that instructor holds a valid license and is designated as the person in charge. The change directly affects schools running vocational programs that use cranes or similar machinery, allowing them to operate under these specific conditions without full compliance with the general restrictions.