SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2459        FILED ON: 2/19/2021

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2192

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Adam G. Hinds

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act furthering adoption of electric vehicles.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2459        FILED ON: 2/19/2021

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2192

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Second General Court
(2021-2022)

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An Act furthering adoption of electric vehicles.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. The department of transportation shall install and maintain electric vehicle charging stations at all service plazas for public use.

SECTION 2. Section 94 of chapter 143 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following 2 subsections:-

(s) In consultation with the department of energy resources, to adopt and fully integrate into the state building code requirements that new construction of commercial and residential buildings as well as major reconstruction, renovation and repair of such buildings, include building electrical service and conduit systems sufficient to support the minimum number of zero-emission vehicle parking spaces; provided, however, that the minimum number of zero-emission vehicle parking spaces shall be at least 1 parking space or not less than 10 per cent of the total number of parking spaces, whichever is greater. For the purposes of this section, “zero-emission vehicle” shall mean a motor vehicle that produces no engine exhaust emissions.

(t) In consultation with the department of energy resources, to adopt and fully integrate into the state building code requirements that new construction of parking facilities as well as major reconstruction, renovation and repair of such facilities, include building electrical service and conduit systems sufficient to support the minimum number of zero-emission vehicle parking spaces; provided, however, that the minimum number of zero-emission vehicle parking spaces shall be at least 1 parking space or not less than 10 per cent of the total number of parking spaces, whichever is greater. For the purposes of this section, “zero-emission vehicle” shall mean a motor vehicle that produces no engine exhaust emissions.

SECTION 3. Section 4 of Chapter 93B of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after subparagraph (3) of clause (d) the following:-

(4) to sell any new motor vehicle that is not a zero-emission vehicle. For the purposes of this section, “zero-emission vehicle” shall mean a motor vehicle that produces no engine exhaust emissions.

SECTION 4. Chapter 25A of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 18. (a) The commissioner shall, subject to appropriation, establish a program to provide rebates or other financial incentives to consumers and businesses who purchase or lease a zero-emission vehicle. Vehicles qualifying for rebates under this section shall: (i) be manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways; (ii) not be modified from the original manufacturer’s specification; and (iii) have been acquired for use or lease by the consumer or business and not for resale.

(b) A rebate under this section shall not be less than $1,500 per vehicle; provided, however, that no rebate shall be available for a vehicle with a sales price that exceeds $50,000.

(c) The commissioner may promulgate regulations to administer the program established under this section. At least once per calendar year, the commissioner shall provide outreach to underserved consumers and consumers in communities with a high percentage of low-income households with information about the zero-emission vehicle incentive program established under this section.

(d) The commissioner shall publish and regularly update data regarding program usage including, but not limited to: (i) the number and amount of rebates or incentives provided each month; (ii) the make, model and type of vehicle for which the rebate or incentive was issued; (iii) the zip code in which the vehicle is registered; and (iv) the estimated total greenhouse gas emissions reductions achieved from the rebate or incentive issued.

SECTION 5. Section 3 of this act shall take effect January 1, 2030.