Bill > S586

This bill aims to assist municipal and district ratepayers by addressing the significant and increasing costs of capital upgrades to public drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The key provisions are: 1. Any proposal initiated by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) that results in additional costs to a city or town is considered a "local mandate," which requires the EOEEA to complete a regulatory impact statement before the proposal can become effective. This statement must identify the problem, methodology, stakeholders affected, financial impacts, and benefits of the proposal. 2. The EOEEA must maintain a notification list of stakeholders and provide them with preliminary notification of any proposals at least 30 days before the notice of a public hearing, allowing for greater transparency and input. 3. The EOEEA must comply with the Massachusetts Administrative Procedures Act when proposing new rules, regulations, or policies, and entities claiming lack of compliance can seek relief from the Superior Court. The overall aim is to ensure that the costs and benefits of EOEEA-initiated regulations are thoroughly evaluated and that local ratepayers are not unduly burdened by the resulting infrastructure upgrade expenses.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S586