Bill > S459

This bill aims to protect the natural resources of the Commonwealth by establishing the "Public Lands Preservation Act." The key provisions include: 1. Requiring public owners to acquire or provide replacement land of equal or greater area and natural resource value when making a disposition or change in use of land protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution (Article 97 land), with limited exceptions where the secretary may grant a waiver. 2. Establishing notification and review procedures for public owners proposing to dispose of or change the use of Article 97 land, including requirements to provide detailed information about the land and any replacement land plan. 3. Authorizing the secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to provide recommendations to the state legislature on proposed legislation involving the disposition or change in use of Article 97 land. 4. Outlining approval processes for municipalities, regional conservation districts, and counties when proposing to dispose of or change the use of Article 97 land they hold. 5. Addressing the handling of eminent domain takings of Article 97 land and the requirements for replacement land in those cases. The overall intent of the bill is to prevent a net loss of Article 97 land in the Commonwealth and ensure the protection of its natural resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S459