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S 2192

Establishes a procedure for the creation of new counties

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Palumbo

Allows state and municipal agencies to choose alternative culvert/storm sewer pipe materials if they meet 75-year life, AASHTO standards, safety, and hydraulic criteria.

REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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Bill Summary · S 2192

Summary — S.2192 (An Act relative to competition for specification of alternative types of culvert pipes)

Note on inconsistencies in provided metadata: the bill text filed January 13, 2025 and presented by Sen. Patrick M. O’Connor concerns culvert and storm sewer pipe specification. Other header items you provided (title about creation of new counties, a different list of sponsors) conflict with that text. This summary is based on the official bill text (S.2192 / Senate Docket No. 462).

Purpose

To give state and municipal agencies discretion to select alternative types of culvert and storm sewer pipe materials for state‑funded roadway projects, provided the selected products meet specified design, construction, safety and hydraulic performance criteria. The intent is to allow competitive consideration of different material types while ensuring minimum performance and safety standards.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new Section 38B to Chapter 30 of the Massachusetts General Laws entitled “Competition for Specification of Alternative Types of Culvert Pipes.”
  • Agencies may choose culvert/storm sewer materials for state‑funded roadways so long as the material:
    1. Is designed using the latest AASHTO Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) specifications (or any future AASHTO‑accepted prevailing methodology) and uses a product performance life of not less than 75 years.
    2. Is constructed and inspected for structural integrity using, at minimum, current AASHTO installation details and post‑installation testing requirements prior to final acceptance.
    3. Is manufactured from non‑combustible and non‑toxic materials and is not susceptible to hydrostatic flotation when located within Evacuation Route Right‑of‑Ways.
    4. Maintains the hydraulic design capacity required for the project’s design life.

Who is affected

  • State and municipal transportation/public works agencies (decision‑making authority for pipe selection).
  • Design engineers, contractors, and construction inspectors (must follow AASHTO design, installation, and testing requirements).
  • Manufacturers and suppliers of culvert and storm sewer pipe materials (must demonstrate compliance with the listed criteria, including 75‑year performance life).
  • Emergency planners / communities along designated Evacuation Route Right‑of‑Ways (hydrostatic flotation requirements apply).

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

  • Filed: January 13, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 462).
  • Introduced in Senate: June 26, 2025; read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Hearing scheduled: July 15, 2025 (1:00–5:00 PM, B‑1).
  • (Note: other recorded referrals in your source are inconsistent; this summary uses the bill text filing date and the June 26, 2025 introduction/referral entries.)

Potential impacts and notes

  • Increases procurement flexibility by allowing material competition so long as performance standards are met; may support innovation or cost savings.
  • Establishes minimum lifecycle (75 years) and inspection/testing standards that could raise documentation and compliance requirements for suppliers and contractors.
  • Safety and resilience considerations (non‑combustible/non‑toxic, flotation resistance on evacuation routes) are explicitly required.
  • The bill specifies performance and testing criteria but does not detail enforcement mechanisms, funding changes, or specific procurement procedures beyond the listed standards.

Related measures

  • Listed companions/replacements in the provided data include HR 4198 (companion), SD 462 (replaces), and prior-session bills S.5867 and S.2109.

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

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