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HD 994

An Act to reduce waste in school cafeterias

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Ciccolo

Ties MSBA funding for new schools or major kitchen renovations to waste-reduction rules: require dishwashers for reusable ware and a formal waste-management plan.

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Bill Summary · HD 994

Summary: An Act to reduce waste in school cafeterias (HD 994)

Overview

HD 994, titled An Act to reduce waste in school cafeterias, is a proposed Massachusetts bill introduced in the 194th General Court. The bill would amend Chapter 111, Section 223 of the General Laws to add new regulatory requirements for the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) related to waste reduction in school cafeterias. The measure targets projects involving the construction of new schools or substantial renovations of school kitchens and would condition funding on compliance with the new waste-reduction standards.

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025 (House Docket No. 529)
  • Proposed by: Rep. Michelle L. Ciccolo (Lexington)
  • Bill number: House Docket No. 994
  • Title: An Act to reduce waste in school cafeterias

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to reduce solid waste generated by school cafeterias by tying MSBA funding for new schools or major kitchen renovations to the adoption of waste-reduction measures. Specifically, it seeks to promote the use of reusable foodware and formalize waste-reduction procedures and enforcement.

Key Provisions

  • Adds subsection (h) to CHAPTER 111, SECTION 223 (following subsection (g)).
  • Mandates the Massachusetts School Building Authority to promulgate regulations that require: 1) Applicants seeking MSBA funding for construction of new schools or substantial renovations of school kitchens to install dishwashers capable of supporting reusable foodware. 2) Applicants to adopt procedures and an enforcement plan for reducing solid waste, including management of recyclable materials and food scraps.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: School districts and municipalities seeking MSBA funding for new school construction or major kitchen renovations.
  • Implementers: The Massachusetts School Building Authority, which would be responsible for establishing and enforcing the new regulations.
  • Indirect: Students, staff, and vendors participating in school meal programs, as the standards would influence cafeteria operations and waste-management practices.

Implementation and Timeline

  • The bill directs MSBA to promulgate regulations but does not set specific dates within the text provided. Implementation would follow the standard regulatory process (draft regulations, public comment, final regulations) and would apply to projects receiving MSBA funding for new schools or substantial kitchen renovations thereafter.
  • No funding amounts are specified in the bill; the impact hinges on regulatory requirements and project eligibility.

Legislative Context

  • Status in the provided excerpt is not specified beyond the bill’s introduction and filing details.
  • The proposal reflects a broader policy goal of reducing school waste and increasing sustainability in public school facilities.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Positive environmental impact through reduced waste, increased recycling, and greater use of reusable ware.
  • Could increase upfront costs for districts due to dishwasher installations and compliance measures, offset by long-term waste savings.
  • Regulatory clarity would be gained for project funding, but districts will need to plan for compliance in eligible projects.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing waste-management regulations or provide a side-by-side summary with related Massachusetts statutes.

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

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