WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 1816

An Act establishing a special commission to ensure the safety and sustainability of non-profit public events

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tommy Vitolo

Establishes a special commission to study and propose funding to offset security, sustainability, and waste costs for Massachusetts nonprofit public events.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1816

Summary: Bill HD 1816 — An Act establishing a special commission to ensure the safety and sustainability of non-profit public events

Overview

HD 1816 proposes establishing a special commission to study and recommend solutions for the safety, financial sustainability, and waste mitigation of nonprofit public events in Massachusetts. The bill would insert a new section into Chapter 23A and charge the commission with evaluating costs and benefits of creating a dedicated fund to offset security, sustainability, and waste-related costs for nonprofit events.

Purpose and intent

  • Assess the costs and benefits of creating a fund to support public safety, sustainability, and waste mitigation for nonprofit events.
  • Review current costs associated with security and sustainability for nonprofit events.
  • Recommend funding sources and potential legislation to offset these costs for Massachusetts nonprofits hosting public events.
  • Consider amendments to existing law (specifically Section 12 of Chapter 23A) and file recommendations within a set timeframe.

Key provisions

  • Establishment: Creates a special commission to investigate, study, and evaluate funding needs related to nonprofit event safety, sustainability, and waste mitigation.
  • Scope of study: Focuses on costs for security and sustainability at nonprofit events and potential funding mechanisms to offset those costs.
  • Recommendations: The commission shall propose amendments to Section 12 of Chapter 23A and may include proposed legislation.
  • Filing requirement: The commission must file its recommendations with the clerks of the Senate and House not later than 120 days after the bill’s passage.

Commission composition

The commission would include:
- Secretary of Public Safety or their designee
- Director of the Massachusetts Office on Travel and Tourism or their designee
- 1 senator appointed by the Senate President
- 1 representative appointed by the Speaker of the House
- 2 members selected from a list of 3 provided by the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau (Meet Boston)
- 2 members selected from a list of 3 names submitted by the Massachusetts Municipal Association

Timeline and process

  • The bill inserts a new Section into Chapter 23A to create the commission.
  • The commission’s primary deliverable is a set of recommendations (including any proposed amendments) due within 120 days of passage.
  • Recommendations would be filed with the clerks of both legislative chambers.

Impact and who would be affected

  • Affected entities: nonprofit organizations that host public events in Massachusetts, local municipalities, and state agencies involved in public safety, tourism, and event management.
  • Potential outcomes: If enacted, new funding sources or a dedicated fund could be proposed to help nonprofits cover security, sustainability, and waste management costs for events. Could influence organizational budgeting and event planning for nonprofits.

Legislative context

  • The bill references similar measures previously filed (House No. 2415 in the 2023-2024 session).
  • It would amend Chapter 23A by adding a new section dedicated to establishing and guiding the special commission.

Status

  • The bill is a proposed measure introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court. Specific status (passed, enacted, or awaiting action) is not provided in the available materials. The text indicates an introduction and filing date in early 2025, with the House Docket number HD 1816.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing Massachusetts statutes or draft a one-page briefing for stakeholders (nonprofit organizers, municipal officials, or safety officers).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.