Filed by Representative Joan Meschino & Senator Jason Lewis

HD3593 and SD 2197 provide a plan for how the state can address GHG emissions from new construction and existing buildings and gives tools to building owners, municipalities and enhances existing tools to ensure we are doing a better job as a state in serving overburdened communities. Much of the bill was developed based off the GWSA IAC Building work group recommendations released in the Fall of 2020.

Filed by Representative Tami Gouveia

This bill will direct the Board of Building Regulations and Standards to consider climate, public health, equity, and the Commonwealth’s GHG emissions targets as they update building code. There are updates to ensure that the updates to the code and stretch code are timely. Final language is being drafted with the House Counsel’s office as S.13 that has now passed the House and Senate could impact building code sections.

Filed by Representative Michelle Ciccolo & Senator Joseph Boncore

This bill would direct MassDOT and the MBTA to determine the total cost of making our transportation system climate resilient. Determining this cost will help elevate the long-standing need to invest more capital dollars in our transportation system to achieve a state of good repair and prepare for climate threats. Furthermore, this bill would direct the MBTA to identify its ability to provide replacement or alternative service during major weather events and prioritize climate resiliency investments within the Capital Improvement Program.

Almost one year ago the Legislature enabled municipalities with representative town meeting to hold their town meeting remotely, this proposal would expand that ability to all town meetings. The bill also enables municipalities to eliminate in person municipal caucuses and replace them with nomination papers as was allowed last year.