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H 3944

An Act relative to a three-year coastal resiliency emergency management plan

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Flanagan

The bill requires a 3-year study by CZMO on coastal emergency management readiness, resources, and costs, with a final report due by June 30, 2028.

Hearing scheduled for 10/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 3944

Summary: H.3944 — An Act relative to a three-year coastal resiliency emergency management plan

Overview

H.3944 is a Massachusetts bill introduced by Representative Christopher R. Flanagan. The bill would require the Coastal Zone Management Office (CZMO) within the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs to conduct a three-year study assessing needs, readiness, and response of emergency management systems for coastal communities and resiliency. The study would evaluate state, regional, and municipal readiness plans, as well as related resources and capabilities. A final report with findings and proposed legislation would be due by June 30, 2028.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a structured, multi-year evaluation of how well coastal emergency management systems function and where improvements are needed.
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses across levels of government (state, regional, municipal) regarding readiness plans, supplies, shelters, response assets, and volunteer recruitment.
  • Estimate costs associated with emergency management responses, mitigation, and adaptation actions to improve coastal resiliency.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: The CZMO, under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 21A, Section 4A, must conduct a 3-year study to assess:
    • Needs, readiness, and response of emergency management systems in coastal areas.
    • Strengths and weaknesses of state, regional, and municipal readiness plans.
    • Availability and adequacy of supplies, shelters, response assets, and volunteer recruitment capabilities.
    • Costs associated with emergency management responses, mitigation, and adaptation actions for coastal resiliency improvements.
  • Section 2: By June 30, 2028, CZMO must submit a comprehensive report to:
    • Clerks of the House and Senate
    • Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management
    • Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
    • The report should include results of the study and any proposed legislation.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025
  • Filed: January 15, 2025 (House Docket No. 3944)
  • Legislative actions indicate: Senate concurrence on or around April 3, 2025; bill referred to the Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management on March 31, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 22, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room A-2.
  • Related bill: HD 2013 (the bill’s related/replaceable reference).

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State: CZMO and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs would lead the study and reporting process.
  • Local governments: Cities and towns with coastal areas would be evaluated in terms of readiness, supplies, shelters, and volunteer capacity.
  • Emergency management stakeholders: State and municipal agencies, regional collaboratives, emergency management volunteers, and responders may be analyzed for capacity and costs.
  • Potentially, the report could catalyze subsequent legislation or funding requests based on identified needs and recommended actions.

Next Steps

  • Await the 10/22/2025 hearing to discuss the bill’s scope and implications.
  • Monitor the 2028 reporting deadline for recommendations and any proposed legislative changes to coastal emergency management and resiliency planning.

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

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