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 analyses, at the public hearing. (3) The municipal governing body shall consider public input in making its determination on the project.

(d) Coordination with State Agencies- (1) The state permitting authority shall provide technical assistance to municipalities in evaluating proposed projects but shall not override a municipality’s decision to deny a project. (2) Municipalities and state agencies shall coordinate to ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and zoning regulations.

(e) Enforcement and Penalties- (1) Any battery storage facility constructed or operated without municipal approval in violation of this section shall be subject to fines of up to $100,000 per violation and shall be required to cease operations until compliance is achieved. (2) The Attorney General shall have the authority to enforce this section and seek injunctive relief where necessary.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect immediately upon passage.