The proposed bill, titled "An Act requiring local approval for battery storage facility permitting," seeks to amend Chapter 40A of the General Laws in Massachusetts by introducing a new section that mandates local approval for the permitting of battery storage facilities. Under this bill, no state permitting authority can approve a battery storage facility unless the municipal governing body of the municipality where the facility is proposed has voted in favor of the project. Additionally, municipalities are granted the authority to establish their own siting, safety, and environmental requirements for these facilities, as long as they do not conflict with state law.

The bill also outlines a public hearing requirement, stipulating that municipalities must hold at least one public hearing to gather input from residents and stakeholders before voting on a proposed facility. The project applicant is required to present detailed plans at this hearing, and the municipal governing body must consider public input in their decision-making process. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for coordination between state agencies and municipalities, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to $100,000 for facilities constructed or operated without municipal approval. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.