Senate, September 2, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 949) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission that will make recommendations for public higher education buildings relative to energy efficiency, spatial adequacy, life safety, accessibility, indoor environmental quality and public health, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2594).
This bill allocates $1.25 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public higher education institutions (state universities, community colleges, and vocational schools). It directly affects these institutions by funding deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization, lab upgrades, and facility renovations to support educational missions and regional economic development. Key provisions include $80 million for energy efficiency projects, $100 million for repurposing campus buildings into housing, and $120 million for student support facilities and collaborations between community colleges and vocational schools. The bill requires annual reporting on project progress and outcomes, such as student participation in collaborative programs, to ensure accountability.
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4126) of Erika Uyterhoeven for legislation to align public pensions with Massachusetts’ net zero future. Public Service.
By Representative Ramos of North Andover, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4111) of Adrianne Pusateri Ramos and Sally P. Kerans for legislation to create a battery recycling program. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representative Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3066) of Mark J. Cusack for legislation to further regulate the taxation of certain common carriers. Revenue.
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4126) of Erika Uyterhoeven for legislation to align public pensions with Massachusetts’ net zero future. Public Service.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1861) of Dylan A. Fernandes relative to authorizing independent retirement systems to divest from fossil fuel companies. Public Service.
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3572) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to the sale of zero-emission vehicles. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Representative Frost of Auburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3491) of Paul K. Frost and Joseph D. McKenna relative to electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Senate, July 31, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 550) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to a statewide plan for the management of solar panels and batteries; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 556) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Michael D. Brady and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a lithium-ion battery stewardship program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2569).
