Bill > H1039

This bill aims to provide greater oversight and financial accountability for regulatory proposals issued by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) that impact cities and towns, particularly in water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The bill defines new requirements for what constitutes a "local mandate" and mandates that any EOEEA proposal causing additional costs to municipalities must undergo a comprehensive regulatory impact statement. This statement must detail the problem being addressed, methodology used, stakeholders affected, financial impacts (including immediate and long-term costs), and specific benefits of the proposal. The bill also requires the EOEEA to maintain a stakeholder notification list and send preliminary notifications about proposed regulations at least 30 days before a hearing to various legislative committees and municipal organizations. Additionally, the bill ensures that such proposals cannot take effect until they comply with the Massachusetts Administrative Procedures Act, and provides a mechanism for entities to petition the superior court if they believe the regulations have not been properly implemented. The underlying motivation is to protect local ratepayers and taxpayers from potentially burdensome regulatory costs by ensuring more transparent and financially responsible regulatory processes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1039