Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H5641: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the town of Becket
Status: In committee, September 11, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, August 4, 2026:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, and notwithstanding any other provision of the Zoning By-laws to the contrary, the Town is authorized to adopt and impose a temporary moratorium on the use of land or structures for Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Installations and BESS other than BESS accessory to individual residential use. The moratorium shall be in effect for six (6) months following its adoption or the date on which the Town adopts amendments to the Zoning By-laws concerning Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Installations and BESS, whichever occurs earlier. During the moratorium period, the Town shall undertake a planning process to study, review, analyze, and address what revisions to the Zoning By-laws relative to Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Installations and BESS are needed or desirable to allow for and regulate such use consistent with applicable law while protecting the Town's ecological resources and furthering its planning goals. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Sponsors
- Leigh Davis (D) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Hearing scheduled for 09/21/2026 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in Written Testimony Only
- : Senate concurred
- : Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Common questions
- What is H5641?
- H5641 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the town of Becket.
- What is the status of H5641?
- In committee as of September 11, 2026. Latest action: Hearing scheduled for 09/21/2026 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in Written Testimony Only (September 11, 2026).
- Who sponsored H5641?
- Leigh Davis (D).
- Where is the official record for H5641?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5641
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.