This bill establishes a statewide flood risk protection program to strengthen the state’s resilience against sea-level rise, floods, and storms. Under the bill, flood risks can be mitigated through the strategic acquisition of properties from owners willing to sell properties vulnerable to repetitive or substantial flood damag, with priority given to low-income residents and environmental justice communities. To support its activities, the bill establishes a new trust fund that uses resources from state, local, federal, and private sources. The fund will support property acquisition, structure demolition, and the ecological restoration of coastal, floodplain, and wetland areas into open spaces for conservation and recreation purposes.

Acquired properties will serve as open spaces with building restrictions, unless construction is integral to nature-based projects aligning with open space usage. A comprehensive flood risk assessment is mandated every five years, leveraging the latest climate and flood data to refine standards and assess eligible properties. Additionally, the program includes outreach and technical support for property owners, encourages cooperative property exchanges, and supports relocation efforts. 

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for emergency management in Massachusetts by creating the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. MEMA is tasked with coordinating resources among governmental and non-governmental entities during emergencies, developing response plans, training workers, and managing emergency supply stockpiles. A state director of emergency management will oversee MEMA’s activities and maintain necessary liaisons.

The bill grants the Governor extensive powers during emergencies, including suspending statutes, controlling emergency functions, and issuing executive orders for resource deployment. It authorizes the establishment of a State Emergency Operations Center for coordinated state responses and a statewide emergency management plan for integrated efforts. Provisions include leave of absence for emergency response personnel, tax relief options for eligible personnel, and specific responsibilities for nuclear power preparedness. 

The bill proposes changes to the distribution of certain funds within Massachusetts, specifically adjusting the allocation percentages among state financial reserves. It reduces the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund's share from 90% to 70%. Simultaneously, it increases the allocations for the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund and the Commonwealth's Pension Liability Fund from 5% to 10% each. Moreover, it introduces a new allotment of 10% to the newly established Disaster Relief and Resiliency Trust Fund, aimed at bolstering the state's disaster response capabilities and resiliency efforts.

This bill proposes a new framework for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Under this bill, MEMA is charged with centralizing the coordination of federal, state, local, voluntary, and private resources during emergencies, as well as developing emergency response plans, training personnel, and disseminating public information. Leadership and coordination efforts are to be spearheaded by a Director of Emergency Management, appointed by the Governor. The Director's duties include collaborating with other states and federal entities and organizing essential personnel to ensure efficient emergency response.

The bill mandates the creation of regional and state emergency operations centers and the formulation of a comprehensive emergency management plan. Local governments are required to organize their emergency management functions, appoint local directors, and maintain alignment with MEMA’s initiatives. Provisions within the bill include liability protection for emergency responders, tax relief for volunteers participating in emergency efforts, and standards to ensure the adequacy of emergency shelters. Additionally, it addresses planning for nuclear incidents, continuity of government operations, and the establishment of interjurisdictional water supply agreements for managing water emergencies.

The bill also establishes the Massachusetts Emergency Management Advisory Council, which will provide strategic guidance to the Governor on emergency management policies. In emergency situations, the Governor may use expansive powers to mobilize resources and suspend statutes that could hinder response efforts.

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for emergency management in Massachusetts by creating the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. MEMA is tasked with coordinating resources among governmental and non-governmental entities during emergencies, developing response plans, training workers, and managing emergency supply stockpiles. A state director of emergency management will oversee MEMA’s activities and maintain necessary liaisons.

The bill grants the Governor extensive powers during emergencies, including suspending statutes, controlling emergency functions, and issuing executive orders for resource deployment. It authorizes the establishment of a State Emergency Operations Center for coordinated state responses and a statewide emergency management plan for integrated efforts. Provisions include leave of absence for emergency response personnel, tax relief options for eligible personnel, and specific responsibilities for nuclear power preparedness. 

This bill amends the fund allocation process outlined in Section 5G of chapter 29 of the General Laws. It proposes a reduction in the percentage of funds transferred to the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund from 90% to 70%. Concurrently, it increases the allocation for both the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund and the Commonwealth's Pension Liability Fund from 5% to 10% each. Additionally, the bill introduces a new allocation of 10% of the funds to be directed to the Disaster Relief and Resiliency Trust Fund. This newly established fund, as per chapter 140 of the acts of 2024, aims to support disaster response and enhance resilience efforts.