MA S2739

Creates the Fire Suppression Water Resource Fund to purchase and install firefighting water cisterns in rural and urban interface regions with limited water access, administered by the state fire marshal without further appropriation

Imposes a $2 annual fee on each homeowner's insurance policy issued or renewed in Massachusetts, collected by insurers and remitted quarterly to fund the cistern program

Establishes a 6-member task force chaired by the state fire marshal to study implementation of a statewide cistern program, including representatives from emergency management, environmental protection, occupational licensure, conservation and recreation, and the Fire Chiefs' Association

Requires the task force to evaluate optimal cistern placement based on fire risk, gather input from communities with water access challenges, and assess costs to construct 10 cisterns per year

Task force must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Executive Office of Public Safety, Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, and legislative clerks by January 1, 2026