H 946 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act preserving public trust rights in land affected by ocean erosion

This bill clarifies that when natural processes like sea level rise or storms move a barrier beach into the former bottom of a Great Pond, the relocated portion remains publicly owned. It directly affects coastal properties where erosion has altered land boundaries near Great Ponds. The law explicitly protects private property by stating it will not convert private land to public ownership and excludes such properties from the rule. Disputes about pond bed locations or relevant facts can be resolved through a public hearing process initiated by a petition from ten citizens.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jan 29, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jan 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Sean Garballey
Sean Garballey
DDemocratic
MA
23rd Middlesex