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S 1527

Establishes a sales tax exemption for energy storage

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 27 co-sponsors

Gives the Mosquito Control Board authority to act in elevated arbovirus risk, requires public notice and opt-out options with approved alternatives, and reports on actions taken.

PRINT NUMBER 1527A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1527

Note on provided metadata
- The header information given for S.1527 (title “Establishes a sales tax exemption for energy storage”) appears inconsistent with the bill text. The bill text filed as Senate No. 1527 (1/14/2025) is titled “An Act relative to arbovirus in the Commonwealth” and amends Chapter 252 to add a new section (Section 2A) governing mosquito control and emergency spraying. This summary follows the bill text.

Purpose

To authorize and structure preventive, management and eradication actions by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (the board) when the Commissioner of Public Health finds an elevated risk of arbovirus (mosquito-borne viruses) for the current or following year, while requiring public notice, opt-out processes, environmental minimization, and post-action reporting.

Key provisions

  • Inserts Section 2A into Chapter 252 of the General Laws.
  • Triggers: the board may act when the Commissioner of Public Health issues a written determination of elevated arbovirus risk; the determination must be posted on the DPH website with supporting data and shared with three joint legislative committees.
  • Authority: the board may carry out actions directly, through district/project organizations, other state agencies, or hired professionals.
  • Notification (minimum 48 hours before wide-area/aerial operations):
    • Must notify local/regional boards & commissions (including boards of health), property owners who previously opted out, agricultural entities (beekeepers, cranberry growers, certified organic farms, aquaculture), and anyone who signs up via the board’s website.
    • Must post notice on the board’s website, inform local officials and legislative representatives, and include opt-out procedures consistent with pesticide regulations.
    • Integrated pest management notices to schools, day cares and child care programs are required per the state emergency plan.
  • Opt-out and alternatives:
    • The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) must develop an opt-out process for municipalities and agricultural entities; opt-outs require an EOEEA‑approved alternative mosquito management plan. EOEEA will provide guidance and may consider regional impacts before approving alternatives.
  • Reporting:
    • Within 30 days after any application, the board must publish a report listing methods used, areas sprayed, number of applications, products applied and results.
  • Environmental and scheduling safeguards:
    • Actions must protect public health while minimizing environmental harm.
    • If aerial spraying is postponed for weather, prior notice remains effective for 48 hours after weather improves if postponement would extend beyond scheduled dates; the board must make a good-faith effort to inform the public of schedule changes.
  • Opt-out applications:
    • The board must provide opt-out applications to private property owners under 333 CMR 13.03; subsection (f) clarifies this notwithstanding other laws.

Who is affected

  • State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board and Department of Public Health (administration and implementation)
  • Municipal and regional boards of health and local officials
  • Private property owners (including those within and outside mosquito districts)
  • Agricultural stakeholders: beekeepers, cranberry growers, certified organic farms, aquaculture operations
  • Schools, day care centers, child care programs
  • General public within areas targeted for wide-area mosquito control

Procedural/timing highlights

  • Bill filed: Senate Docket No. 637 / filed 1/14/2025 (bill text); contains hearing and referral activity in 2025 (see legislative record).
  • Notification at least 48 hours prior to planned aerial/wide-area operations.
  • Post-action report required within 30 days of application.
  • EOEEA to establish opt-out/alternative-plan process (timing not specified in text).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Increases transparency and notice around aerial/wide-area pesticide applications for mosquito control.
  • Provides an opt-out pathway for municipalities and agricultural operations but requires approved alternative management plans, which may affect regional control effectiveness.
  • Balances public health emergency powers with environmental protections and stakeholder notification; implementation details (EOEEA guidance, approval standards, and regional coordination) will determine practical impact and potential conflicts between local opt-outs and regional disease control needs.

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

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