Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 938) allows municipalities to establish their own municipal lighting plants (community-owned electricity systems) by creating a standardized process for purchasing electricity infrastructure from private distribution companies. It requires municipalities seeking to acquire such infrastructure to submit detailed financial plans to the Department of Energy Resources, including property outlines, cost projections, and financing strategies. The department must then evaluate feasibility within 180 days and develop a standard formula (by December 31, 2022) to determine fair purchase prices for the property, excluding future profits or "stranded costs." This directly affects municipalities aiming to create affordable, locally-controlled electricity options.
Sen. John Cronin
Sponsored bills
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1500) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to health care transparency. Public Health.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1499) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to anesthesiologist assistants. Public Health.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1496) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to certainty of continuing education for chiropractors. Public Health.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1494) of John J. Cronin for legislation to establish the dentist and dental hygienist compact. Public Health.
Maddy summarySD 1932 requires the MBTA to develop a new commuter rail fare structure aimed at increasing ridership, primarily affecting residents in transit-oriented areas. Key provisions include establishing a $10 weekday fare (currently only for weekends), capping one-way fares at three times the subway fare, creating discounted monthly passes for hybrid workers (e.g., commuting 3 days/week), offering multi-ride discounts, and simplifying fare zones. The bill mandates that the MBTA submit recommendations within 12 months and implement pilot programs testing these changes within 24 months. It also requires offsetting fare reductions through increased parking rates to maintain revenue. This bill focuses on concrete fare adjustments to make commuter rail more accessible and affordable.
By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1900) of Michael F. Rush and John J. Cronin for legislation relative to creditable service for retirement purposes for non-public school service. Public Service.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1815) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to GIC healthcare coverage for group 4 members pending disability retirement. Public Service.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 327) of John J. Cronin for legislation to enable all students to thrive by protecting a high quality, diverse educator workforce. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Town of Westford to release specific agricultural preservation restrictions on three parcels of land (20-E-1, 20-GR-PUE-2, and 20-PUE-14) owned by Westford Gateway, LLC. The land is needed by MassDOT for the Boston Road rehabilitation project. To compensate, MassDOT must provide Westford with funding equal to at least 110% of the land's fair market value, deposited into the town's Community Preservation Fund for acquiring replacement conservation or agricultural land within three years. The replacement land must match the original in location, natural resource value, acreage, and monetary value. The release applies only to these parcels, leaving other agricultural restrictions intact.