Massachusetts H3400: An Act prohibiting the use of ratepayer funds for utility lobbying, promotions, or perks

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

Chapter 164 of the general laws is hereby amended by striking out section 33A and inserting in place thereof the following section:- Section 33A. (a) No gas or electric company regulated by the department under this chapter may recover from any ratepayer of such company any direct or indirect expenditure by such company for promotional or political advertising as defined in this section. For the purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:— ''Advertising'', the commercial use by a utility of any media, including newspaper, printed matter, radio, and television, in order to transmit a message to a substantial number of members of the public or to such utility's consumers, including any costs associated with research, analysis, preparation, planning, or any other related costs identified by the department as related to public communication whose purpose is to promote the sale or consumption of natural gas, electricity, or other thermal energy, unless such advertising is specifically approved or ordered by the department. ''Political advertising'', any advertising for the purpose of influencing public opinion with respect to legislative, administrative, or electoral matters, or with respect to any controversial issue of public importance. ''Promotional advertising'', any advertising for the purpose of encouraging any person to select or use the service or additional service of a utility regulated …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Steven Owens (D, 29th Middlesex) · primary sponsor
• Hannah Bowen (D, 6th Essex)
• Richard Wells (D)
• William MacGregor (D, 10th Suffolk)
• John Moran (D, 9th Suffolk)
• Dawne Shand (D)
• Rodney Elliott (D)
• Priscila Sousa (D)
• Donald Wong (R, 9th Essex)
• Michelle Ciccolo (D, 15th Middlesex)
• Marjorie Decker (D, 25th Middlesex)
• Sean Reid (D)

Latest actions

1. March 9, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5183
2. July 12, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 07/22/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Common questions

What is H3400?

H3400 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act prohibiting the use of ratepayer funds for utility lobbying, promotions, or perks.

What is the status of H3400?

Failed as of March 9, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5183 (March 9, 2026).

Who sponsored H3400?

Steven Owens (D, 29th Middlesex), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H3400?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3400