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H 1030

An Act relative to the sewer rate relief fund

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Robertson and 1 co-sponsor

Mandates minimum funding for the Sewer Rate Relief Fund: at least $4,000,000 from the General Fund, with at least $400,000 set aside for Tewksbury, effective immediately.

Accompanied a study order, see H5149
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Bill Summary · H 1030

Summary: House Bill H.1030 – An Act relative to the sewer rate relief fund

Overview

H.1030, introduced February 27, 2025 by Rep. David Allen Robertson (Tewksbury) (and co-sponsor Bud L. Williams), seeks to strengthen the funding for the Sewer Rate Relief Fund in Massachusetts by mandating minimum allocations from the General Fund. The bill includes an immediate effective date upon passage and is currently scheduled for a hearing on June 17, 2025.

Purpose and intent

  • To ensure dedicated funding for sewer rate relief through the Sewer Rate Relief Fund.
  • To provide targeted aid to the town of Tewksbury for sewer relief purposes, helping alleviate sewer-related costs for residents and the town’s sewer system.

Key provisions

  • Amend Section 2Z of Chapter 29 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2016 edition) by adding a new requirement:
    • No less than $4,000,000 from the General Fund shall be allocated to the Sewer Rate Relief Fund.
    • No less than $400,000 of that allocation shall be dedicated to the town of Tewksbury for sewer relief purposes.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon its passage.

Financial impact

  • General Fund allocation: At least $4,000,000 must be directed to the Sewer Rate Relief Fund.
  • Local allocation: At least $400,000 to Tewksbury specifically for sewer relief.
  • The bill codifies minimum funding levels, which may affect the overall size of state General Fund appropriations and the timing of allocations.

Affected parties and scope

  • Statewide: Sewer Rate Relief Fund gains a guaranteed minimum inflow, enhancing rainfall or drought-related sewer relief efforts and other relief programs funded through the sewer rate fund.
  • Local: The town of Tewksbury would receive a minimum of $400,000 for sewer relief, providing targeted municipal support.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Status: Hearing scheduled for June 17, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room A-1.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Committee: Referred to the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (and listed as a companion to similar prior bill in 2023-2024).
  • Legislative history: The bill is noted as related to HD 3201 (House Docket No. 3201), which represents a related measure filed earlier; HD 3201 is identified as a related version/replace.
  • Session context: Appears in the 2025-2026 legislative session (One Hundred Ninety-Fourth General Court).

Related actions and notes

  • Related bill: HD 3201 (referred to in the same docket, described as a related matter that replaces or accompanies the current bill).
  • Similar matter from prior session: House Bill No. 884 of 2023-2024 referenced in the version content.

Bottom line

H.1030 would lock in minimum state funding for the Sewer Rate Relief Fund and guarantee a specific local allocation to Tewksbury, with immediate effect upon passage. It is progressing through the Environment and Natural Resources committee, with a public hearing set for June 17, 2025.

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

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