WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 4128

An Act to study the feasibility of installing solar panels on municipal and state buildings and land

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Lindsay Sabadosa

The act directs a state feasibility study on installing solar panels on municipal/state properties and identifying funding options, with a report due within one year.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 4128

Summary: HD 4128 — An Act to study the feasibility of installing solar panels on municipal and state buildings and land

Purpose

HD 4128 proposes a comprehensive study to evaluate whether solar panels can be feasibly installed on municipal and state buildings and land in Massachusetts. The bill seeks to identify not only technical and economic feasibility but also potential funding sources to support feasible solar projects.

Key provisions

  • Authority to study: The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) would conduct the study on the feasibility of installing solar panels on municipal and state properties.
  • Funding considerations: The study would include an examination of possible funding sources for feasible projects (e.g., financing mechanisms, incentives, public-private partnerships, or other funding avenues).
  • Legal directive: The provision begins with a “Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary” clause, giving the Secretary authority to proceed with the study notwithstanding other laws that might otherwise restrict or alter the process.
  • Reporting requirement: The Secretary must prepare and file a report with:
    • Clerk of the Senate
    • Clerk of the House of Representatives
    • Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
    • Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture The report must be submitted no later than one year after passage of the act.

Who is affected

  • State government: Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Environmental Protection, and the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.
  • Municipal governments and state entities: The study focuses on solar feasibility for municipal and state buildings and land, which could influence future municipal and state decision-making if feasible options emerge.
  • General public/energy policy stakeholders: Findings could inform future policy, financing programs, or pilot projects related to solar energy use on government property.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Introduced / Filed: The bill text indicates it was filed and assigned House Docket No. 4128 (H. 3562) and attributed to Rep. Lindsay N. Sabadosa. The filing date shown is January 17, 2025, in the One Hundred Ninety-Fourth General Court (2025-2026).
  • Reporting deadline: The study’s results are due within one year after passage of the act.
  • Status: The provided materials identify it as a proposed bill; no enactment status is given in the summary here.

Potential impact

  • The bill would establish a formal process to assess whether government-owned properties can host solar installations and how such projects could be funded.
  • If the study identifies feasible opportunities and funding mechanisms, it could pave the way for future solar installations on public buildings and land, contributing to energy diversification, potential cost savings, and emissions reductions, subject to subsequent legislation and appropriation.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar solar-feasibility efforts or outline potential budgeting implications once a detailed funding plan is proposed.

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

Sign in to ask a question.