Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 691: An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution

This bill establishes Massachusetts' Ocean Acidification Council, a 11-member body including state agency heads and public representatives (such as shellfish industry members and coastal scientists). The council must coordinate coastal acidification monitoring, create a public data repository, and commission studies on impacts to marine species (like oysters and lobsters), economic effects, and nutrient pollution solutions. It requires annual awareness events, defines key terms like "coastal acidification" and "eutrophication," and directs funds to upgrade wastewater systems and reduce nutrient pollution in coastal watersheds. The law directly affects coastal communities, shellfish industries, and state environmental agencies by mandating data-driven action on acidification threats.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Ocean Acidification Council to monitor, study, and address coastal acidification/pollution impacts on marine ecosystems and economies, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 3938: An Act pertaining to regional resilience and flood protection entities

By Representative Sangiolo of Newton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Amy Mah Sangiolo and others for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Flood Management and Mitigation Authority to coordinate flood management and mitigation efforts. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a Flood Management Authority under Environment and Natural Resources to coordinate flood mitigation, directly advancing environmental protection and climate resilience efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 895: An Act establishing a revolving fund to supplement the funding of waterway projects and coastal protection initiatives

By Representative Ayers of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 895) of Bruce J. Ayers relative to the funding of waterway projects and coastal protection initiatives. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a revolving fund to supplement funding for waterway and coastal protection initiatives, directly advancing environmental protection and conservation efforts under Environment and Natural Resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 26, 2026

H 919: An Act to protect and preserve the northern right whale and other resident endangered whale and sea turtle species

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 919) of Richard Maximus Strahan relative to certain aquatic life in coastal waters. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects endangered whale and sea turtle species through conservation measures, aligning with environmental protection and species preservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 24, 2025

S 660: An Act to protect coastal resources

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 660) of Bruce E. Tarr and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to protect coastal resources by establishing the Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Innovation Center. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Innovation Center to protect coastal resources, explicitly aligning with environmental protection goals in summary and subject area.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 771: An Act establishing a Massachusetts flood risk protection program

This bill establishes a voluntary Massachusetts program to reduce flood risks by purchasing properties at risk of repetitive or substantial flooding from willing owners. It prioritizes low-income residents (households earning 65% or less of the state median income) and communities designated as environmental justice populations, requiring at least 75% of program funds to support these groups. Acquired properties must be converted into permanent open space for conservation and public recreation, with public access required, and prohibit new structures except for nature-based solutions. The program uses updated flood risk assessments every five years, based on climate and flood data, to guide property acquisitions and ensure long-term community resilience.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates conversion of acquired properties to conservation open space, prioritizing environmental justice communities and flood risk reduction through land conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Environmental Justice

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 82: An Act to protect coastal resources

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Innovation Center within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The center will develop and deploy natural, innovative methods to protect coastal resources like beaches, marshes, and infrastructure from erosion and sea-level rise, directly affecting coastal communities, property owners, and environmental groups. Key provisions include creating an advisory group with diverse stakeholders (municipal officials, environmental advocates, property owners, and experts), authorizing up to 20 annual pilot projects for shoreline resilience (with 3-year limits), and requiring annual public reports. The center must prioritize natural approaches such as living shorelines and vegetation, while ensuring projects include monitoring and restoration plans. The program expires on December 31, 2035.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Coastal Erosion Innovation Center to protect beaches, marshes, and infrastructure from erosion/sea-level rise using natural methods, directly advancing environmental conservation and resource protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1591: An Act promoting climate safe buildings

HD 1591 establishes a new State Board of Building Regulations and Standards to update building codes with climate resilience requirements. The bill requires local governments to use "expanded floodplain maps" (based on climate projections and flood history, not just federal maps) when setting flood-resistant construction standards. It directly affects cities, towns, property owners in flood zones, and building professionals like architects, engineers, and contractors who must follow updated codes. Key provisions mandate that building standards must address climate risks like sea-level rise and extreme weather while maintaining safety and energy efficiency. The board, with 17 members including climate resilience experts, will develop these new standards.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates climate-resilient building codes using climate-projection-based floodplain maps, directly strengthening environmental protection standards for flood zones and infrastructure resilience.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 658: Resolve establishing a coastal waters wastewater financing commission

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 638) of Mark C. Montigny, Christopher M. Markey and Mark D. Sylvia that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish a coastal waters wastewater financing commission. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates commission to study coastal wastewater financing, directly addressing pollution prevention in coastal waters under Environment and Natural Resources subject.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 3, 2025

S 648: An Act to protect open space, historical resources, and community housing from coastal threats

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 648) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to community preservation funds for seawall repairs. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects open space/historical resources from coastal threats via seawall repairs funding, directly aligning with environmental conservation under Environment committee.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly protects community housing from coastal threats via seawall repair funding, aligning with housing preservation and protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

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