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HD 1144

An Act relative to establishing a commission to address double utility poles in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul McMurtry

The bill creates a special commission to study and facilitate removal of double utility poles, issuing a report with findings and recommendations by 12/31/2026.

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Bill Summary · HD 1144

Summary: An Act relative to establishing a commission to address double utility poles in the Commonwealth (HD 1144)

Overview

  • Purpose: Establish a special commission to study and implement a solution for removing double utility poles that arise when a replacement pole is built alongside an existing pole and neither pole is removed.
  • Status: Proposed bill in the 2025-2026 General Court. The version provided indicates the bill was filed on January 14, 2025 (House Docket No. 1144 / House No. 3975). The text also declares the act to be an emergency law for immediate effect.
  • Emergency provision: The bill states that delaying operation would defeat its purpose and invokes emergency status to address the issue promptly.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a special commission to address double poles.
  • Scope of the study (non-exhaustive):
    • Assess the current state and prevalence of double utility poles in the Commonwealth.
    • Identify legal, financial, and regulatory barriers to removing double poles.
    • Develop legislative recommendations to facilitate removal.
    • Analyze economic implications of removing double poles.
    • Propose funding mechanisms for removal efforts.
    • Establish best practices and procedures for removal.
  • Outcome: The commission will prepare a report detailing activities, findings, and recommendations.

Commission Composition

The commission shall consist of six members:
1. Secretary of the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (or the secretary’s designee) — to serve as chair.
2. A representative from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
3. A representative from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc.
4. A representative from Eversource Energy.
5. A representative from National Grid.
6. A representative from Unitil Resources, Inc.

Reporting and Timeline

  • Deliverable: A comprehensive report on the commission’s activities, findings, and recommendations.
  • Due date: Not later than December 31, 2026.
  • Recipients of the report:
    • Chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
    • Chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation.
    • Chairs of the Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means.
    • Offices of the House and Senate clerks.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Utilities: Eversource Energy, National Grid, Unitil Resources, Inc. are specifically represented on the commission, reflecting the stakeholders involved in pole placement and removal decisions.
  • Government agencies: Massachusetts Department of Transportation; Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (through its secretary).
  • Municipal interests: Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc. (ensuring local government perspectives are considered).
  • Legislative/clerical process: The report is shared with key legislative committees and clerks for potential follow-up action.

Practical Implications

  • The bill aims to create a structured pathway to remove redundant poles, potentially reducing visual clutter, maintenance costs, and safety concerns associated with double poles.
  • By involving major utilities and state agencies, the commission seeks to align regulatory, financial, and practical considerations before proposing legislation or funding strategies.
  • The emergency designation signals a priority to address this infrastructure issue promptly, which could influence interim operational decisions by stakeholders pending any future reforms.

Notes

  • The provided text is a proposed bill (HD 1144) filed in January 2025; one date in the prompt (November 29, 2025) appears inconsistent with the bill’s filing date in the official text. If status updates are available from the Legislature, they may reflect any changes in advancement or amendments.

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

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