Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H5149

Introduced
2/26/26  
Refer
2/26/26  

Caption

Study Order

Impact

The passage of H5149 could significantly influence state laws concerning waste management and environmental protection. By mandating the study of policies related to single-use plastics, waste reduction, and coastal conservation, the bill seeks to enhance the regulatory framework that governs these areas. It holds the potential to inspire new legislation that could promote recycling initiatives, limit plastic use, and safeguard coastal ecosystems, thereby aligning Massachusetts with contemporary environmental goals.

Summary

House Bill 5149 is a legislative measure focused on addressing various environmental concerns within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill encompasses a study order that directs a special commission, including members of the General Court, to investigate and propose recommendations related to issues ranging from plastics management to the preservation of coastal areas. This comprehensive approach aims to tackle pressing ecological matters, reflecting a growing legislative focus on sustainability and environmental accountability.

Contention

While H5149 presents opportunities for advancing environmental legislation, it also raises points of contention among stakeholders. Proponents of the bill advocate for proactive measures to combat pollution and improve recycling efforts, citing the necessity of adapting to environmental challenges. Conversely, critics may argue regarding the implications for local businesses and communities, especially regarding the economic impact of stricter regulations on plastic usage. The extent of support may hinge on how well the bill balances environmental objectives with the interests of various community groups and economic considerations.

Companion Bills

MA H1030

Replaces Relative to the sewer rate relief fund

MA H979

Replaces Relative to a marine special activity license program

MA H935

Replaces Limiting toxics release inventory facilities in environmental justice communities

MA H905

Replaces Expanding pleasure boat access to Boston Harbor

MA H925

Replaces To increase access to recycling

MA H942

Replaces Relative to the siting of facilities dealing with refuse

MA H892

Replaces Resolve to establish a special commission to perform an investigation and providing for a study relative to the long term management, maintenance and future use of the Boston Harbor Long and Moon Islands

MA H1015

Replaces To require producer responsibility for collection, reuse and recycling of discarded electronic products

MA H998

Replaces To reform the Toxics Use Reduction Act

MA H1027

Replaces To streamline permitting for rail electrification

MA H1019

Replaces Relative to the reduction of plastics

MA H908

Replaces To "Skip the Stuff" to reduce restaurant waste

MA H978

Replaces To protect open space, historical resources, and community housing from coastal threats

MA H964

Replaces Promoting responsible end-of-life management for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries

MA H894

Replaces Relative to community preservation funds for coastal infrastructure

MA H973

Replaces Relative to Title V approval

MA H907

Replaces Relative to DCR yacht club fees reflecting waterway access

MA H941

Replaces Authorizing the use of bow and arrows for Sunday hunting

MA H906

Replaces Authorizing and directing the director of the Division of Waterways to dredge the harbor area surrounding Houghs Neck in the city of Quincy

MA H1017

Replaces To provide priority antlerless deer permits for disabled veteran hunters

MA H1028

Replaces Relative to the protection of our drinking water from nitrosodimethylamine

MA H1035

Replaces To improve plastic bottles and their recycling

MA H912

Replaces To reduce polystyrene in the environment

MA H947

Replaces Relative to brownsfields assessment and remediation funds accessibility

MA H969

Replaces Relative to waste disposal

MA H923

Replaces Relative to reasonable Mass Wildlife Board expense reimbursement

MA H980

Replaces Establishing a flood mitigation and preparedness program

MA H933

Replaces Relative to plastic bag reduction

MA H960

Replaces Relative to requiring the sealing of containers transporting solid waste

MA H1025

Replaces Addressing noise issues of migratory game hunters near coastal dwellings

MA H1034

Replaces Restricting distribution of single-use plastic straws

MA H970

Replaces Relative to septic installers

MA H921

Replaces Relative to concurrent jurisdiction on National Park Service properties

MA H1001

Replaces Create a crumbling foundations task force with the goal of identifying a source and method of funding

MA H955

Replaces Relative to solid waste byproduct management and control

MA H917

Replaces Reducing packaging waste

MA H934

Replaces Creating special funds for the division of fisheries and wildlife

MA H1016

Replaces Relative to hunting on Sunday

MA H951

Replaces To eliminate hydraulic fracturing in the Commonwealth

MA H995

Replaces Authorizing the town of Orleans to adopt a pesticide reduction bylaw

MA H994

Replaces Regulating the application of fertilizer used in the town of Orleans

MA H936

Replaces Protecting public drinking water by further regulating solid waste disposal facilities

MA H993

Replaces Permitting bow hunting on Sunday

MA H929

Replaces Relative to the board of registration of hazardous waste site cleanup professionals

MA H963

Replaces Further defining an environmental justice population

MA H1010

Replaces Relative to the use of shotguns

MA H1011

Replaces Relative to critical wildlife habitat management

MA H1026

Replaces Establishing a special commission to study the noise effects of hunting migratory game birds in neighborhoods and communities within established coastal zones

MA H888

Replaces Relative to recreation on private tidelands

MA H949

Replaces To ensure safe drinking water for state funding eligibility in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

MA H916

Replaces To reduce single use plastics in the environment

MA H1032

Replaces To establish environmental accountability in the fashion industry

MA H1014

Replaces Establishing a climate change superfund

MA H914

Replaces To create fees for single use disposable food containers

MA H919

Replaces To protect and preserve the northern right whale and other resident endangered whale and sea turtle species

MA H891

Replaces Instructing the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game to study the feasibility of repurposing the former Moon Island Sewage Treatment Plant for the purposes of fish and shellfish farms

MA H889

Replaces Relative to boat wrap recycling

MA H927

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

MA H911

Replaces Relative to truth in labeling of recyclable and compostable goods

MA H1029

Replaces Relative to the protection of our drinking water from nitrosodimethylamine

MA H913

Replaces To create fees for single use beverage containers

MA H896

Replaces Relative to Long and Moon Islands in Boston Harbor

MA H948

Replaces To protect the public health, safety and welfare including but not limited to the drinking water supply in Plymouth Carver Sole Source Aquifer, designated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1990

MA H910

Replaces To prevent the release of black plastic into the environment

MA H940

Replaces Relative to beavers

MA H974

Replaces Relative to solar panel recycling

MA H930

Replaces Relative to bow hunting for deer in Wompatuck State Park

MA H928

Replaces For environmental, and water testing requirements, and funding thereof

Previously Filed As

MA H5356

Study Order

MA H5318

Study Order

MA H5323

Study Order

MA H5311

Study Order

MA H5281

Study Order

MA H4733

Study Order

MA H5224

Study Order

MA H5080

Study Order

MA H5313

Study Order

MA H5068

Study Order

Similar Bills

MA H5281

Study Order

MA S2886

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on The Judiciary to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to judicial matters.

MA S2931

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Health Care Financing to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to to health care financing matters.

MA H5323

Study Order

MA S2798

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to public safety matters.

MA S2786

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Public Service, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to public service matters.

MA S2774

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to telecommunications, utilities and energy matters.

MA H5352

Study Order