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HD 738

An Act providing for a study relative to the necessity of certain snow safety procedures

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Galvin

Requires the EOPSS to study whether rooftop snow safety procedures are needed and feasible, including skylight markers, with a final report within 180 days.

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Bill Summary · HD 738

Summary: House Docket No. 738 – An Act providing for a study relative to the necessity of certain snow safety procedures

Overview

  • Bill: HD 738 (House Docket No. 738)
  • Title: An Act providing for a study relative to the necessity of certain snow safety procedures
  • Introduced: January 13, 2025 (House, No. 2613) by Representative William C. Galvin (Canton)
  • Session/category: Proposed bill for the 2025-2026 General Court (one of the “Simlar matter filed in previous session” references)
  • Status: Proposed bill (no final enactment status provided in the text)

Purpose and intent

The bill directs the Commonwealth to study whether certain snow safety procedures related to rooftop snowfall are necessary and feasible. The aim is to assess risks posed by heavy snowfall on building roofs and skylights and to explore potential safety measures and their costs and benefits.

Key provisions

  • Lead agency: Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS)
  • Study requirements:
    • Evaluate the necessity and feasibility of implementing snow safety procedures related to rooftop snowfall
    • Assess the danger posed by heavy snowfall on building roofs and skylights, with a focus on clearing snow from rooftops
    • Consider the need to address such danger through safety measures
    • Analyze the costs and potential benefits of placing identification markers on skylights of large buildings, visible after heavy snow storms
  • Reporting requirement:
    • EOPSS must submit a written report detailing the study results and recommendations
    • The report must be provided to the clerks of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate
    • Deadline: within 180 days of the act’s effective date

Scope and topics of study

  • Safety concerns related to rooftop snow accumulation and removal
  • Potential hazards to the public and property from rooftop snow
  • Feasibility and practicality of safeguarding rooftop areas and skylights
  • Identification markers on skylights as a post-storm visibility solution
  • Economic analysis: implementation costs and anticipated benefits

Affected parties

  • Primary: Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (leading the study)
  • Potentially affected stakeholders include owners and managers of large buildings with skylights or rooftop structures, building safety professionals, and municipal code/enforcement entities that may use study findings for future policy decisions

Timeline and procedural notes

  • The act requires a study and a final written report within 180 days of the act’s effective date
  • It is a study-oriented bill, not an immediate regulatory change
  • Related history: Similar matter was filed in a previous session (House No. 2329, 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in rooftop snow safety issues

Plain-language takeaway

If enacted, HD 738 would mandate a formal investigation by the EOPSS into whether specific snow safety procedures for rooftops (including the idea of marking skylights for visibility after snow events) are necessary and worth implementing, followed by a published report with findings and recommendations within about six months of enactment. The bill does not itself impose new requirements on property owners or cities but could inform future policy or rulemaking.

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

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