Environment (Conservation) in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 22, 2025

S 1425: An Act further regulating the amendment of a conservation restriction in the town of Hanson

By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1425) of Michael D. Brady (by vote of the town) for legislation to amend a conservation restriction in the town of Hanson. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2026

H 4523: An Act authorizing the town of Nantucket conservation commission to convey a certain parcel of land situated in the town for purposes of conveyance to the town of Nantucket under the care, custody, management and control of the select board and the town of Nantucket to convey certain land in the town of Nantucket held for open space, passive recreation or conservation purposes to the Nantucket islands land bank for the purposes pursuant to its legislation and/or to the Sconset Trust, Inc. For open space, conservation and passive recreation purposes

By Representative Moakley of Falmouth and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4523) of Thomas W. Moakley (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Nantucket to convey a certain parcel of land in said town to the Nantucket Islands Land Bank and to the Sconset Trust, Inc. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 15, 2026

H 1056: An Act relative to the conservation of striped bass

By Representative Stanley of Waltham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1056) of Thomas M. Stanley relative to the Atlantic striped bass. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2281: An Act relative to data collection on below threshold wells

This bill requires local health boards or permitting authorities to annually report details (location, use, permit year) of wells under 20,000 gallons per day to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP will use this data to estimate water withdrawals from these wells at the local basin level and factor it into future water permit decisions. During droughts, local authorities must enforce water conservation measures for these wells based on current restrictions or areas with depleted water flow. It also updates the withdrawal threshold for permit requirements from 20,000 gallons per day.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1423: An Act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management

HD 1423 creates a statewide drought management task force within the Massachusetts Office of Environmental Affairs. The task force, co-chaired by the Secretary and the Emergency Management Director, includes agency heads and water sector representatives, and must develop and update a statewide drought management plan every 5-10 years. It authorizes the Secretary to implement water conservation measures (like limiting nonessential outdoor use) during droughts, applying to all water users in designated drought regions. Cities and towns must enforce these Secretary-ordered restrictions, overriding local rules that conflict with drought management. The bill directly affects all Massachusetts water users during drought conditions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1973: An Act relative to the conservation of striped bass

This bill bans commercial harvesting and sale of wild striped bass in Massachusetts, except for existing license holders who averaged over 1,000 pounds of striped bass annually for the past five years (as verified by the Division of Marine Fisheries). It requires commercial fishermen to report annual catches within 90 days and prohibits new licenses or license transfers after 2029. Violations of commercial fishing rules incur fines starting at $200 per fish. The law does not affect recreational fishing but allows the fisheries director to adjust catch limits if fishery conditions worsen.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3811: An Act authorizing the Barnstable County and the town of Bourne to convey land and certain interests in land in the town of Bourne

This bill authorizes Barnstable County to transfer specific land in Bourne (at 0 County Road and 100 Dr. Julius Kelley Lane) to the town of Bourne, including a parcel subject to an existing conservation restriction. The town, which holds that conservation restriction (document #978,790), may also assign it to a qualified entity when acquiring the property from the county. The transfer is permitted under Massachusetts constitutional provisions for land conveyances, and the bill takes effect immediately upon passage. This is a procedural land transfer bill affecting only the specified property and its conservation status.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3256: An Act relative to fisheries conservation gear grant program

By Representative Turco of Winthrop, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1059) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco that the Division of Marine Fisheries establish a program for commercial fishing gear. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1941: An Act relative to the conservation of Atlantic striped bass

HD 1941 creates a special commission to study the conservation of wild Atlantic striped bass in Massachusetts. The commission will examine how commercial fishing and recreational angling affect striped bass populations, including holding public hearings in Gloucester, New Bedford, Boston, and Cape Cod. It will include representatives from both commercial and recreational fishing industries, marine science experts, and state agency officials, with a report due to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2026. This bill directly affects striped bass conservation efforts in Massachusetts by establishing a formal process to gather data and develop potential policy recommendations.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 527: An Act relative to Stony Brook Reservation

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 657) of Michael F. Rush for legislation relative to Stony Brook Reservation. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

All environment bills