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Bill

HD 3847

Resolve to review, consider, and evaluate, and to establish a suitable body and/or special commission to consider climate change economic consequences

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Day

Creates a 21-member Climate Change Economic Consequences Commission to study Massachusetts climate costs and financing, with annual reports for up to five years to guide policy.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 3847

Summary of Massachusetts Bill HD 3847 (Resolve)

Overview

  • Bill Type: Resolve to review, consider, and evaluate, and to establish a suitable body and/or special commission to consider climate change economic consequences.
  • Bill Number: HD 3847
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Status: Senate concurred; Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
  • Similar Earlier Matter: A related measure was filed in the previous session (House No. 778, 2023-2024)
  • Purpose: Establish a Climate Change Economic Consequences Commission to study the economic impacts of climate change on the Commonwealth and to provide data-driven analysis for policy and finance planning.

Purpose and Intent

  • Acknowledges that climate change is occurring and has present and potential future economic consequences for Massachusetts.
  • Aims to improve long-term public planning, budgeting, public safety, and resilience by creating an independent body to assess costs, financing, and insurance implications related to climate change.
  • Seeks to inform state and local government decision-making, as well as private sector stakeholders (residents, homeowners, businesses, insurers, etc.).

Key Provisions

Establishment

  • Creates the Climate Change Economic Consequences Commission.
  • Duration: Up to five years from establishment to complete its work, with ongoing reporting in the interim.

Membership

  • Total membership: 21
    • 5 appointed by the Governor
    • 5 appointed by the President of the Senate
    • 5 appointed by the Speaker of the House
    • 6 appointed by the “first fifteen” (i.e., from applicants within the Commonwealth)
  • Representation includes:
    • Scientists
    • Local city/town officials
    • Insurance adjusters
    • Financial and infrastructure professionals
    • Ordinary citizens

Duties and Activities

  • Collect data (existing data plus new data as needed).
  • Assess likely and possible climate-related scenarios, environmental variations, and related public policy adjustments.
  • Report on levels of cost, insurance-related considerations, and financing needs for individuals and communities facing potential disasters or climate impacts.
  • Produce analyses relevant to residents, homeowners, businesses, institutions, and other stakeholders.

Hearings and Reporting

  • Hold regular hearings: at least four per year across the Commonwealth.
  • File reports on at least an annual basis.
  • Complete its work no later than five years after establishment.

Affected Parties

  • Residents and homeowners
  • Businesses and non-profits
  • Local governments (cities and towns)
  • Insurance industry and adjusters
  • Financial and infrastructure professionals
  • Academic and scientific communities
  • General public (through transparency and public hearings)

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The bill is a Resolve, directing establishment of a commission rather than creating direct new statutes affecting individual compliance.
  • Timeline requirements include:
    • Regular hearings: at least four annually
    • Annual reporting: at least once per year
    • Final completion: within five years of establishment
  • Legislative path noted: Referred to Environment and Natural Resources; Senate concurrence indicates cross-chamber agreement at the reported stage.

Bottom Line

HD 3847 would create a 21-member Climate Change Economic Consequences Commission to systematically study and report on the economic costs and financing needs associated with climate change in Massachusetts. The commission would collect data, evaluate scenarios, hold public hearings, and issue annual reports for up to five years, aiming to inform policy, budgeting, and resilience planning across state and local governments.

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

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