Order relative to procedures to be followed when considering the House Bill relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Rodrigues

Sets a rapid, structured path for House Bill 5175 with a single Ways and Means amended text guiding debate and strict amendment deadlines.

Rules suspended and adopted

Overview

This Massachusetts Senate order (SD 4015, Senate Docket No. 4015) directs the procedural handling of House Bill 5175, titled the House relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness. The order was adopted on June 23, 2026, with Senator Michael Rodrigues as sponsor. It establishes a specific timetable and amendment process for the Ways and Means committee’s report and the bill’s subsequent consideration in the Senate.

Main purpose and intent

To set the procedural framework for considering House Bill 5175 within the Senate, ensuring there is a structured schedule and amendment process.

To integrate the Ways and Means committee’s newly amended text (referred to as Senate Ways and Means new text, Senate No. 3143) into the Senate’s debate and voting sequence.

Key provisions and changes

Timing and sequencing:

The House Bill 5175, as reported by Ways and Means with a recommended new text (Senate document 3143), is to be placed in the Senate’s Orders of the Day for a second reading on a specific date (Wednesday, July 1, 2026).
It is to receive immediate consideration with the Ways and Means new text pending.

Amendments:

Amendments must be filed electronically by 4:00 PM on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Amendments filed in the Senate are to be second-reading amendments to the Senate Ways and Means new text (Senate No. 3143). Amendments to those amendments (in the third degree) are allowed.
The Clerk is tasked with specifying the filing procedure and format for amendments in alignment with the order.

Third-reading process:

After the bill, as amended, is ordered to a third reading, it will be read aloud a third time, and the vote to pass it to engrossment will occur immediately.
No amendments shall be in order at the third reading unless they are recommended by the committee on Bills in the Third Reading.

Who/what is affected

The primary legislative focus is House Bill 5175, which concerns energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness.

The procedural impact affects:

The Senate Ways and Means Committee (which will prepare and present the amended text).
The Senate’s calendar and amendment process by establishing specific timeframes and rules for filing and third-reading procedures.

Procedural/timeline specifics

Date of order: June 23, 2026.

Second-reading placement: July 1, 2026.

Amendments due: June 26, 2026, by 4:00 PM.

Amendments format: To be filed as second-reading amendments to Senate No. 3143; third-degree amendments allowed.

Third-reading: Immediate read and vote to engrossment with no non-recommended amendments allowed at that stage.

Summary of impact

Ensures a rapid, tightly controlled passage process for the energy-related bill, with a single amended text from Ways and Means guiding debate.

Limits last-minute amendments at the third reading, reinforcing discipline in the legislative process toward the finalized text approved by the Bills in the Third Reading committee (if applicable).

Provides clarity to members and staff on filing deadlines, sequencing, and procedural steps to advance House Bill 5175 toward potential enactment.