Bill
Bill > S2520
MA S2520
To modernize certain provisions of the agricultural preservation restriction program
summary
Introduced
02/06/2020
02/06/2020
In Committee
02/13/2020
02/13/2020
Crossed Over
02/06/2020
02/06/2020
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
191st General Court
Bill Summary
SENATE, February 6, 2020.- The committee on Senate Ways and Means to whom was referred the Senate Bill to modernize certain provisions of the agricultural preservation restriction program (Senate, No. 527), - reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled with the same title (Senate, No. 2520).
AI Summary
This bill seeks to modernize certain provisions of the agricultural preservation restriction program in Massachusetts. Specifically, it:
1. Changes the duration of special permits for non-agricultural activities on preserved farmland from a maximum of 5 years to at least 1 year.
2. Allows the Department to approve a 1-year trial period to evaluate proposals for non-agricultural activities, and requires the Department to notify the permit holder within 1 year whether the permit will be renewed, revoked, or amended. If the Department fails to notify the permit holder within 1 year, the permit is automatically renewed for 5 years.
3. Expands the ability to appeal Department decisions regarding special permits to any landowner of land subject to an agricultural preservation restriction, not just the permit holder.
The bill aims to provide more flexibility and oversight for the use of preserved farmland for non-agricultural purposes, while also giving landowners more recourse to challenge Department decisions.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (10)
Michael Brady (D),
Colleen Garry (D),
Susan Gifford (R),
Anne Gobi (D),
Adam Hinds (D),
Steven Howitt (R),
Donald Humason (R),
Norm Orrall (R),
Michael Rodrigues (D),
Paul Schmid (D),
Other Sponsors (1)
Senate Committee on Ways and Means (S)
Last Action
Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (on 02/13/2020)
Official Document
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2520 |
| Bill | https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2520.pdf |
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