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H 3437

Resolve establishing a commission on infrastructure resilience

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Walsh

Creates a 13-member Massachusetts commission to study infrastructure resilience and deliver a statewide needs assessment and strategic plan by July 31, 2026.

Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 3437

Summary: H 3437 — Resolve establishing a commission on infrastructure resilience

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a special commission on infrastructure resilience to study utility and water supply resilience in Massachusetts.
  • Aims to identify security gaps, develop a strategic plan to address shortcomings, better protect infrastructure assets, and improve coordination among state and local agencies, utilities, and emergency responders.

Key provisions

  • The commission’s responsibilities include:
    • Investigating the current status of infrastructure resilience in the Commonwealth.
    • Identifying and assessing security gaps and vulnerabilities in infrastructure.
    • Developing a plan and timeline to conduct a statewide infrastructure resilience needs assessment (to be led by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security).
    • Exploring best practices from industry groups, government bodies, and experts.
    • Assessing the current sector capacity for implementing recommendations.
    • Reporting on other relevant matters as the commission sees fit.
  • Output: The commission must file its report and recommendations with the clerks of the Senate and House, the Ways and Means committees, and the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy by July 31, 2026.

Commission composition

The 13-member commission includes:
- The Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (or designee) who shall serve as chair.
- The chairs (or designees) of the House and Senate Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy.
- The Executive Director of the American Petroleum Institute (or designee).
- The President of ISO-New England (or designee).
- The Chair of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (or designee).
- Three members appointed by the Governor (one from the petroleum or natural gas pipeline industry).
- Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House (one from the telecommunications industry).
- Two members appointed by the President of the Senate (one from the electricity generating industry).
- The commission may consult with external experts as needed.

Timeline and process

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Reporting deadline: July 31, 2026.
  • Procedural history:
    • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
    • Referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
    • Senate concurrence noted in the bill’s status.
    • Current status shows a hearing and related scheduling updates for October 29, 2025.

Potential impact

  • Creates a formal, cross-sector body to evaluate and strengthen infrastructure resilience across utilities and water systems.
  • Enhances coordination among state agencies, utilities, emergency responders, and industry stakeholders.
  • Produces a statewide needs assessment and strategic plan, with a focus on security vulnerabilities and emergency readiness.
  • Does not mandate immediate regulatory changes but sets the groundwork for future policy or investment decisions based on the commission’s findings.

Related bills

  • HD 1778 (replaces): Similar matter filed in a prior session (House 3128 of 2023-2024).

Overall, H 3437 seeks to assemble a high-level, multi-sector commission to evaluate vulnerabilities in Massachusetts’ infrastructure and to produce a concrete plan for resilience by mid-2026.

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

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