Bill
S 2137
Repeals MA Gen Laws ch. 7, §§52–56 (2022) with no replacement, removing duties and enforcement powers these sections contain.
Important note on source inconsistencies
- The bill metadata provided contains conflicting information. The bill title at the top ("Provides that the failure to report a release of hazardous substances is a class A misdemeanor") does not match the actual bill text included, which simply repeals statutory sections. Sponsor lists and committee referrals in the record are also inconsistent. The summary below is based on the bill text provided. Before relying on this summary for decision-making, verify the official version of S.2137 on the relevant state legislature website.
Bill purpose (based on the bill text)
- The bill’s sole operative provision repeals Sections 52 through 56, inclusive, of Chapter 7 of the General Laws (as they appear in the 2022 Official Edition). The enrolled bill title in the text is “An Act to reduce the cost of government and create new jobs.”
Key provision
- Repeal: "Sections 52 through 56, inclusive, of chapter 7 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, are hereby repealed."
- No other substantive language, definitions, penalties, or replacement text appears in the provided bill text.
What this would change / potential impact
- Direct legal effect: Eliminates whatever statutory duties, authorities, procedures, or rights are currently codified in G.L. c.7, §§52–56. Because the bill provides no replacement language, repeal may remove:
- Administrative powers or obligations of state agencies located in those sections;
- Procedural provisions that affect state administrative operations; or
- Any regulatory or enforcement mechanisms found in those sections.
- Indirect effects: Depending on the substance of §§52–56, repeal could affect state agencies, contractors, municipal governments, regulated entities, or members of the public who rely on those provisions.
- Uncertainty: Without the current text of §§52–56, the precise impacts (including fiscal effects, legal gaps, or required regulatory adjustments) cannot be determined from this bill alone.
Procedural status and timeline (from supplied actions)
- Filed in Senate: Jan 14, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 690).
- Introduced in Senate / Read twice and referred: Jun 18, 2025.
- Committee referrals listed in the record vary (Environmental Conservation; State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; Armed Services). A hearing was noted as scheduled for 07/22/2025 in one entry.
- Status entry at top: REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.
Who is affected
- Entities governed by or relying on G.L. c.7, §§52–56 (state agencies, staff, contractors, regulated parties, members of the public) — exact stakeholders depend on the current content of those sections.
Action items / recommendations
- Verify the authoritative text and current placement of S.2137 on the official legislative website for the relevant state (the docket indicates Massachusetts).
- Review the current text of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 7, Sections 52–56 (2022 Official Edition) to identify concrete obligations and assess impacts of repeal.
- If evaluating policy intent or enforcement consequences, compare repeal to any proposed replacement language, fiscal notes, or committee memos that may accompany later versions.
Note on conflicting title/metadata
- If the sponsor/title information referring to hazardous substance reporting and criminal penalties is correct (and the repeal language is an error), that would represent a substantively different bill. Confirm which version is the official filing to avoid mischaracterization.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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