This bill allocates $2.65 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It directly affects all 15 public institutions by funding deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization projects, and facility upgrades - including $1.25 billion for campus infrastructure at state universities and community colleges, $80 million for energy efficiency and fossil fuel reduction, and $10 million for lab modernization and student support facilities. Key mechanisms include requiring projects to align with campus master plans and decarbonization plans, mandating inclusion in a capital asset management system, and creating reporting requirements on student collaboration outcomes. The funding covers repairs, construction, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects like converting campuses for housing, all subject to oversight by the Division of Capital Asset Management.
By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3480) of Mindy Domb relative to transferring the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (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. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representatives Domb of Amherst and Ultrino of Malden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1495) of Mindy Domb and Steven Ultrino for legislation to authorize an extreme heat energy assistance program. Housing.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2092) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to apply rebates to reduce the MSRP of an electric vehicle in the calculation of motor vehicle excise tax. Revenue.
H 4420 creates the Agriculture and Fishery Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Fund to help Massachusetts farms and fisheries prepare for climate change impacts. The fund, managed by state agricultural and fishery departments, provides grants for climate resilience projects like energy-efficient farming, climate-resilient infrastructure, and data collection. It also supports technical assistance to help applicants plan and secure funding for these initiatives. Grants are awarded based on sector and regional needs, with quarterly reports tracking applicants, recipients, funding amounts, and administrative costs to state legislative committees. The fund permanently retains unspent money, ensuring ongoing support without annual re-appropriation.
By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1926) of Michael J. Barrett and Vanna Howard for legislation to exempt electric vehicle chargers from the sales tax. Revenue.
By Mr. Oliveira, a 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. Higher Education.
By Representative Frost of Auburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3490) of Paul K. Frost and Joseph D. McKenna relative to electric vehicle charging and fueling. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (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. Environment and Natural Resources.
