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HD 3567

An Act relative to brownsfields assessment and remediation funds accessibility

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Expands access to Massachusetts Brownsfields funds by removing RPO participation as an eligibility gate, allowing all communities to pursue assessments and remediation.

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Bill Summary · HD 3567

Summary: House Bill No. HD 3567 — An Act relative to Brownsfields Assessment and Remediation Funds Accessibility

Overview

  • Bill number/title: HD 3567 — An Act relative to brownsfields assessment and remediation funds accessibility
  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative Colleen M. Garry (Dracut)
  • Status: Not specified in the provided text
  • Session context: Appears in the 2025-2026 Massachusetts General Court; a similar measure was previously filed in 2023-2024 (House No. 810)

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to broaden access to the Commonwealth’s Brownsfields Assessment and Remediation Funds. Its central purpose is to remove the eligibility barrier tied to participation in Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs), ensuring any community can receive Brownfields funds regardless of RPO involvement.

What the bill would change

  • Core change: Overrides existing laws, regulations, or rules to the contrary, so that:
    • Any community in Massachusetts may be granted Brownsfields Assessment and Remediation Funds without regard to whether the community participates in a Regional Planning Organization.
  • In effect, RPO participation would no longer be a gating criterion for receiving funds from the Brownsfields program.

Who is affected

  • Communities/municipalities: All communities would be eligible to access Brownsfields funds even if they do not participate in an RPO.
  • Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs): Their role as a determinant of eligibility would be diminished or bypassed for purposes of Brownfields funding.
  • State agencies administering the program: Would implement the eligibility change, adjust guidelines, and oversee grants under the revised criteria.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The text provided does not include:
    • Specific appropriations or funding levels
    • Implementation timeline or effective date
    • Detailed programmatic requirements or application processes
  • As drafted, the bill would take effect upon enactment if passed, subject to any otherwise applicable transition provisions that may appear in the final version.

Context and notes

  • This is a broad access reform, potentially increasing the number of communities able to pursue Brownfields assessments and remediation.
  • Prior related measure (House No. 810 in 2023-2024) indicates ongoing interest in expanding access to Brownfields funds beyond RPO participation.

Potential impacts (high level)

  • Pros: Increased cleanup and redevelopment opportunities for more communities; reduced administrative barriers related to RPO participation.
  • Cons/considerations: Needs assessment to ensure equity, funding sufficiency, and coordination with regional planning efforts to avoid duplicative or conflicting initiatives. Agencies may need to update guidelines, application forms, and oversight mechanisms.

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

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