WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 5307

Study Order

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The bill authorizes a broad, time-limited study by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee to review environmental topics and propose legislative changes by end of 2026.

Reported, in part, by H4101
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 5307

Summary of Bill H. 5307 (194th Session, Massachusetts) – “Study Order”

Purpose and intent

  • This joint resolution authorizes the Massachusetts House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources to conduct a broad, temporary study.
  • The study focuses on a wide range of environmental and natural resources topics, including hunting, water quality, climate resilience, solid waste, recycling, and related regulatory and infrastructure issues.
  • The committee is charged with gathering information, evaluating current policies, and considering potential legislative changes.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authorization for investigation: The committee is empowered to sit during a recess of the General Court to study a long list of House documents (names listed in the bill), which collectively cover questions of hunting zones and licensing, water infrastructure and quality, waste management, recycling, and climate-related standards and protections.
  • Scope of documents to review: The referenced documents (House numbered items 890, 895, 901, 920, 922, 937, 939, 966, 982, 983, 992, 1004, 1006, 1022, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1042, 1043, 1045, 1047, 1049, 1057, 1060, 1062, 1063, 1065, 1066, 1067, 1071, 1072, 1074, 1075, 2600, 3920, 4041, 4101, 4110, 4111, 4191, 4513, 4700, 5076, 5141) cover topics such as:
    • Concrete foundations and building/housing issues related to environmental concerns
    • Funding for waterway projects and coastal protection
    • Conservation of natural and working lands
    • Water filtration and drinking water initiatives
    • Greywater reuse and plumbing/recycling in buildings
    • Use of effluent water in cooling systems
    • Climate resiliency and standards in state building codes
    • Solid waste disposal, recycling, and reporting standards
    • Lead-free ammunition, environmental impacts of hunting, and wildlife-related issues
    • Infrastructure bonding for municipal water systems
    • Environmental justice considerations and access to resources
    • Various local governance and community impact topics (e.g., Quabbin watershed, host community funds)
  • Reporting requirement: The committee must compile the results of its investigation and present recommendations, including any drafts of legislation necessary to implement those recommendations.
  • Deadline: The report and any proposed legislative drafts must be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives on or before December 31, 2026.

Who is affected

  • State agencies and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) are implicitly involved, as the study covers regulatory standards, building codes, environmental justice, and climate-related policies.
  • Municipalities and local governments, which would be impacted by potential new or refined statutes/regulations on water infrastructure, waste management, and land conservation.
  • Stakeholders in environmental policy areas, including:
    • Water resource managers and coastal protection programs
    • Waste management and recycling industries
    • Land conservation and natural resources organizations
    • Hunting, wildlife management, and environmental safety communities
    • Building owners and developers (due to potential updates to building codes and water reuse standards)
    • Communities affected by environmental justice considerations and infrastructure projects

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Nature of action: Non-binding investigative study authorized by the House to examine the listed topics and draft potential legislation.
  • Reporting timeline: Final report, findings, and draft legislation due by December 31, 2026.
  • Process: The committee is permitted to conduct hearings, gather data, and develop legislative recommendations, which would be filed with the Clerk of the House for consideration.

Why this matters

  • The bill consolidates a broad review of environmental policy areas in a single, time-bound study, potentially informing future legislation across water infrastructure, climate resilience, waste management, recycling, and hunting-related environmental concerns.
  • It provides a structured mechanism to identify gaps, assess impacts on communities (including environmental justice communities), and propose concrete statutory changes or funding strategies.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s text and stated requirements as of the date of the accompanying documents.

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

Sign in to ask a question.