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.

Filed by Representative Jay Livingstone & Senator Brendan Crighton

This bill would increase the surcharge on Transportation Network Company (TNC) trips. TNCs like Uber and Lyft have an outsize impact on our transportation system, and this bill put Massachusetts’ fees back on par with other states. This bill also includes the TNC data sharing provisions included in the Transportation Bond Bill passed by the Legislature last session.

Filed by Representative Kathleen LaNatra & Senator Mike Brady

HD3340/SD1536 will give the 31 impacted communities in Massachusetts an alternative pathway to approving the FEMA required bylaws. If the bylaws are not passed by the deadline this summer, communities will be suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Specifically, the bill allows communities to update the specific bylaws at their Select Board with a 2/3 vote rather than Town Meeting while preserving the required antecedent public hearings, usually held by the planning board, as an opportunity for citizens to voice their support or concerns.  It is a onetime allowance, tied to the state’s emergency declaration and only applicable to the FEMA required bylaws.

Filed by Representative Nika Elugardo & Senator Jamie Eldridge

The HERO (housing & environmental revenue opportunity) legislation would double the existing deeds excise tax, resulting in an estimated $300M in new revenue. The bill divides this new revenue equally between funds to address affordable housing challenges, and climate mitigation and adaption. MAPC recognizes the important nexus between housing and climate change impacts.