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H 3495

An Act promoting resilience against the heat-related impacts of climate change

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Garballey and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill establishing heat resilience measures including cooling centers, utility assistance, and infrastructure standards to protect public health during extreme heat events.

Accompanied a study order, see H5323
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Bill Summary · H 3495

Legislative bill overview

H 3495 is a Massachusetts bill designed to build state resilience against heat-related climate impacts through coordinated policy measures. The bill addresses extreme heat as a public health and infrastructure challenge, likely including provisions for cooling centers, utility assistance, building standards, and emergency preparedness planning.

Why is this important

Heat-related deaths and illnesses disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including elderly residents, low-income households, and those with chronic conditions. Massachusetts experiences increasing numbers of extreme heat days, which strain electrical grids, damage infrastructure, and create public health emergencies—making proactive planning essential.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanisms: Implementation of cooling centers, weatherization programs, and utility assistance requires significant public investment; questions about whether funding comes from general revenue, ratepayers, or federal sources
  • Equity in access: Ensuring vulnerable populations benefit equally from resilience measures versus potential disparities in service delivery across urban and rural areas
  • Utility rate impacts: Expanded cooling assistance or grid modernization may increase electricity rates, potentially conflicting with affordability concerns for lower-income residents

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

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