Environment (Conservation)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4332: An Act authorizing the Barnstable County and the town of Bourne to convey land and certain and certain interests in land in the town of Bourne.

This bill authorizes Barnstable County to transfer specific parcels of land in Bourne (at 0 County Road and 100 Dr. Julius Kelley Lane) to the town of Bourne, subject to an existing conservation restriction. The town, as the holder of this conservation restriction (document #978,790), may also assign or transfer the restriction to a qualified entity when acquiring the property. The bill directly affects Barnstable County and the town of Bourne by enabling this land conveyance under Massachusetts constitutional provisions. It is a procedural measure with no broader policy impact beyond this specific property transaction.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill maintains existing conservation restriction (document #978,790) during land transfer, preserving environmental protection for the parcels.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 132: 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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRegulates amendment process of conservation restriction, preserving land protections and natural resources per bill's focus on conservation restrictions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 3, 2025

S 576: An Act relative to outdoor heritage

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 576) of Peter J. Durant, David F. DeCoste, Christopher M. Markey, Joseph D. McKenna and others for legislation relative to outdoor heritage. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill categorized under Environment and Natural Resources with 'outdoor heritage' implying conservation efforts and protection of natural areas.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2410: An Act relative to critical wildlife habitat management

This bill establishes a dedicated fund within Massachusetts' wildlife budget, financed by $7.50 wildlands conservation stamps sold to hunters, anglers, and trappers, plus a portion of license fees. The funds must be used exclusively to purchase land for wildlife habitat protection and management, with $2.50 per stamp directly funding habitat work. It requires all recreational users (except exempt groups like free-licensed residents) to buy this stamp to hunt, fish, or trap on state-managed lands, replacing previous requirements. The bill also sets rules for funding allocation, land acquisition procedures, and exemptions for certain license holders.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund via mandatory conservation stamps/license fees, explicitly allocating $2.50/stamp for habitat work, ensuring consistent funding for wildlife conservation programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates dedicated fund from conservation stamps to purchase land for wildlife habitat protection and management, directly funding habitat work per stamp sales.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 23, 2025

S 2571: An Act providing nature for all

The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 597) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to conserve and improve natural and working lands, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2571).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to conserve and improve natural lands per Environment committee referral95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 9, 2026

HD 5291: An Act creating parity among Massachusetts beaches

By Representative Sweezey of Duxbury, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kenneth P. Sweezey relative to the Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill references Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan under Environment committee, directly supporting habitat protection and conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 17, 2025

S 562: An Act relative to right of entry to prevent environmental violations

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 562) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to right of entry to prevent environmental violations. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill grants authority to enter premises to prevent environmental violations, strengthening enforcement of environmental protections under Environment and Natural Resources committee.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 771: An Act establishing a Massachusetts flood risk protection program

This bill establishes a voluntary Massachusetts program to reduce flood risks by purchasing properties at risk of repetitive or substantial flooding from willing owners. It prioritizes low-income residents (households earning 65% or less of the state median income) and communities designated as environmental justice populations, requiring at least 75% of program funds to support these groups. Acquired properties must be converted into permanent open space for conservation and public recreation, with public access required, and prohibit new structures except for nature-based solutions. The program uses updated flood risk assessments every five years, based on climate and flood data, to guide property acquisitions and ensure long-term community resilience.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates conversion of acquired properties to conservation open space, prioritizing environmental justice communities and flood risk reduction through land conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Environmental Justice

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2181: An Act protecting neighboring communities from deleterious construction

HD 2181 requires municipalities to establish buffer zones between adjacent communities when major construction projects occur within 1,500 feet of a border. This applies to projects exceeding $5 million in cost, road/highway work, or bridges over navigable waters. The buffer zone must include protected land like parks, wetlands, trails, or open space with restrictions on development. These zones aim to prevent harm from construction activities in one municipality affecting neighboring communities. The bill directly affects local governments planning or permitting such large-scale projects near municipal boundaries.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates buffer zones including wetlands/parks with development restrictions to prevent construction harm, directly advancing conservation and environmental protection as core components of the buffer requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1438: An Act to protect pollinator habitat

This bill establishes a 11-member commission to study and recommend ways to improve pollinator habitat across Massachusetts. The commission will examine opportunities in areas like farm borders, parks, transportation corridors, and energy sites to support native bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators, and report findings by March 2026. The commission includes state agency leaders, university experts, and representatives from farming, beekeeping, nursery, and conservation groups.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly establishes commission to study and improve pollinator habitat, directly supporting environmental conservation of native species through habitat protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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