Bill > S675

This bill aims to provide greater financial protection and oversight for municipal and district ratepayers by imposing new requirements on the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs when proposing rules, regulations, or guidance documents that could impact local governments' costs. Specifically, the bill defines any proposal that requires a city or town to undertake new services or expend resources as a "local mandate" and mandates that before such proposals can take effect, a comprehensive regulatory impact statement must be completed. This impact statement must detail the problem being addressed, identify stakeholders, describe methodological approaches, and most importantly, provide a thorough financial analysis including immediate and long-term costs for all affected parties. The bill also requires the agency to maintain a stakeholder notification list and send preliminary notifications about proposed changes at least 30 days before hearings, ensuring transparency and giving local governments advance warning of potential new financial obligations. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any proposed changes must comply with the Massachusetts Administrative Procedures Act, and provides a mechanism for entities to seek legal relief in superior court if they believe the agency has not followed proper procedures. The underlying motivation is to prevent unfunded mandates and ensure that regulatory changes do not disproportionately burden local governments and ratepayers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S675