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H 884

An Act to strengthen the Commonwealth's strategic preparedness stockpiles

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rich Haggerty

Summary of H 884: An Act to strengthen the Commonwealth's strategic preparedness stockpiles OverviewThis bill, titled "An Act to strengthen the Commonwealth's strategic preparednes

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 884

Summary of H 884: An Act to strengthen the Commonwealth's strategic preparedness stockpiles

Overview

This bill, titled "An Act to strengthen the Commonwealth's strategic preparedness stockpiles", aims to enhance the state's ability to respond to emergencies and supply critical resources during times of crisis. It would replace and expand upon previous legislation (HD 3695) related to the maintenance and management of strategic stockpiles.

Key Provisions

The bill would:

  1. Establish a Strategic Preparedness Stockpile Commission: This 9-member commission would be responsible for overseeing the stockpile program, assessing emergency preparedness needs, and making recommendations to the legislature.

  2. Require the maintenance of expanded stockpiles: The bill mandates the state to maintain stockpiles of essential supplies, equipment, and medications sufficient for at least 6 months of emergency use. This is an increase from the previous 3-month requirement.

  3. Allocate funding for stockpile management: The legislation appropriates $50 million per year in dedicated funding to the commission for the purchase, storage, rotation, and maintenance of stockpiled resources.

  4. Empower the commission during emergencies: During declared states of emergency, the commission would have the authority to expedite procurement, distribution, and use of stockpiled items to support the state's response.

  5. Enhance transparency and reporting: The commission would be required to submit annual public reports detailing the status of the stockpiles, expenditures, and recommendations for improvement.

Potential Impact

If enacted, this bill would:

  • Improve the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly mobilize critical supplies and resources during natural disasters, public health crises, or other emergencies.
  • Reduce reliance on just-in-time supply chains and provide a buffer against potential disruptions.
  • Increase transparency and legislative oversight of the state's emergency preparedness efforts.
  • Require a significant ongoing investment of $50 million per year in the strategic stockpile program.

The bill is currently scheduled for a public hearing on October 22, 2025 before the relevant legislative committee.

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

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