MA·Bill·190th Legislature (2017-2018)
H 4096
An Act increasing nuclear power plant protections to a fifty mile radius
Introduced 2017-12-18Last action 2018-06-25 — Accompanied a study order, see H4651
Sponsor
Ruth B. Balser
Cosponsors
Sarah K. PeakeKay KhanMike ConnollyCynthia Stone CreemWilliam L. CrockerJr.Julian CyrMarjorie C. DeckerMichelle M. DuBoisJames B. EldridgeCarmine L. GentileCarlos GonzálezJonathan HechtRandy HuntElizabeth A. MaliaKathleen O'Connor IvesDenise ProvostDavid M. RogersFrank I. SmizikChynah TylerJames M. Cantwell
⚫
Died in House committee
The 190th Legislature (2017-2018) ended on 2018-12-31. This bill was introduced when the session adjourned and did not advance to enactment.
Legislative Progress
✗
Introduced
2
In Committee
3
Passed Chamber
4
Enacted / Signed
Summary
This bill expands the emergency preparedness zone around nuclear power plants in Massachusetts from the current federal standard of approximately 10 miles to a 50-mile radius. Specifically, it requires the Department of Public Health to establish radiation monitoring stations throughout this expanded 50-mile zone, stockpile thyroid-blocking agents (potassium iodide) for all communities within this radius, and develop comprehensive evacuation and sheltering plans for the entire area. The bill explicitly includes Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties, as well as Cape Ann in Essex County, ensuring these areas receive the same protective measures regardless of their exact distance from nuclear facilities, and directs the Department of Public Health to implement these changes through regulations within 180 days of enactment.
Note
Historical import. Session: 190th
Full Bill Text
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4096.pdf