Massachusetts H4685: An Act requiring local approval for battery storage facility permitting

What the bill says

From the introduced text, April 24, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as appearing in the most recent edition, is hereby amended by adding the following new section: Local Approval Requirement for Battery Storage Facilities. (a) Definitions- As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings: "Battery storage facility"- a facility that uses batteries to store and distribute electrical energy. "Municipal governing body"- the elected city council, selectboard, or other legislative authority of a municipality. "State permitting authority"- any state agency responsible for granting permits related to energy infrastructure, including but not limited to the Department of Public Utilities and the Energy Facilities Siting Board. (b) Local Approval Requirement- (1) No state permitting authority shall approve a battery storage facility unless the municipal governing body of the municipality in which the facility is proposed has voted to approve the project. (2) Municipalities shall have the authority to establish additional siting, safety, and environmental requirements for battery energy storage facilities, provided such requirements do not conflict with state law. (c) Public Hearing Requirement- (1) Prior to any municipal vote on a proposed battery storage facility, the municipality shall hold at least one public hearing to solicit input from residents and stakeholders. (2) The project applicant shall be required to present detailed plans, including risk assessments, emergency response protocols, and environmental impact …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Kelly Pease (R, 4th Hampden) · primary sponsor
• Lindsay Sabadosa (D, 1st Hampshire)
• Homar Gómez (D)
• Peter Durant (R, Worcester and Hampshire)
• John Marsi (R, 6th Worcester)
• Nicholas Boldyga (R, 3rd Hampden)
• Donald Berthiaume (R)
• David DeCoste (R, 5th Plymouth)
• Joseph McKenna (R, 18th Worcester)
• John Velis (D, Hampden and Hampshire)
• Todd Smola (R, 1st Hampden)
• Justin Thurber (R)

Latest actions

1. April 13, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5353 (under House Rule 27)
2. February 17, 2026: Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
3. November 17, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 11/17/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in Written Testimony Only
4. October 30, 2025: Senate concurred
5. October 23, 2025: Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
6. April 24, 2025: Referred to the committee on House Rules
7. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H4685?

H4685 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act requiring local approval for battery storage facility permitting.

What is the status of H4685?

Failed as of April 13, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5353 (under House Rule 27) (April 13, 2026).

Who sponsored H4685?

Kelly Pease (R, 4th Hampden), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H4685?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4685