MA
Massachusetts Senate Bill S642

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S642

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Relative to crumbling concrete prevention and protection

Impact

One of the key impacts of SB 642 is the introduction of the Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund, which will provide financial assistance to homeowners for the repair or replacement of affected concrete foundations. This fund will be financed through state appropriations, grants, and other sources, helping mitigate the financial burden on residents facing substantial repair costs due to hazardous materials in their foundations. Additionally, homeowners can apply for property tax abatements if their property is impacted by these harmful materials, further easing the economic strain.

Summary

Senate Bill 642, titled 'An Act relative to crumbling concrete prevention and protection', focuses on addressing the issues posed by deteriorating concrete foundations in residential properties caused by the presence of harmful minerals like pyrrhotite and framboidal pyrite. The bill proposes amendments to various chapters of the General Laws, mandating home inspectors to inform potential buyers about the risks associated with these minerals. This legislation aims to enhance transparency during the sale or lease of homes and to establish protocols for home inspections involving concrete foundations, which are crucial for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of properties in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill highlight some contention regarding the implementation of new regulations and the financial implications for contractors and concrete manufacturers. There are concerns about the regulations that will be put in place for aggregate manufacturers in terms of testing and reporting standards. The responsibility and possible liabilities outlined in the bill may create tension between homeowners and insurance providers, particularly for those insurers that have previously denied claims related to foundation repairs. The enforcement of penalties for failing to comply with new regulations also raises questions about the balance between protecting homeowners and imposing excessive burdens on businesses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA S2559

Relative to crumbling concrete foundations

MA S495

Relative to crumbling concrete foundations

MA S3015

Relative to crumbling concrete foundations

MA H4050

Relative to requiring the Highway Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to establish a department and licensure process to oversee quarries producing concrete aggregate

MA S2242

To establish standards for quarry licensing and the testing for pyrite minerals

MA H4055

So much of the message from Her Excellency the Governor returning the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2024 (see House, No. 4040) as relates to Attachments A through G, for items returned with disapproval of wording under the provisions of Section 5 of Article LXIII and sections returned with recommendations of amendments under the provisions of Article LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution (House, No. 4055). August 9, 2023

MA H3002

Relative to low-embodied carbon concrete

MA S39

Protecting our soil and farms from PFAS contamination

MA S1982

Relative to the use of low-embodied carbon concrete in state projects

MA S285

Relative to dropout prevention and re-engagement

Similar Bills

MA S495

Relative to crumbling concrete foundations

MA H983

Relative to crumbling concrete prevention and protection

MA S2559

Relative to crumbling concrete foundations

MA S2242

To establish standards for quarry licensing and the testing for pyrite minerals

MA S3015

Relative to crumbling concrete foundations

MA S580

Relative to crumbling concrete foundations

MA H890

Relative to crumbling concrete foundations

CT HB06798

An Act Concerning Certain Producers Of Concrete Aggregate.