Bill > H1006

This bill aims to protect the viability of farms in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It requires state and regional agencies, boards, and commissions to publicly disclose whether any proposed rules, regulations, or other regulatory requirements will potentially have an adverse impact on commercial agricultural operations. If such an impact is identified, the responsible agency must conduct an impact assessment and submit it to the relevant legislative committees at least 45 days before the requirement is promulgated. Similarly, city and town agencies must complete an impact assessment form prescribed by the Department of Food and Agriculture at least 90 days before enacting any regulation that could adversely affect commercial agriculture. The bill also stipulates that no regulatory action, except for those of an emergency nature, can take effect until these provisions are followed. If the impact assessment indicates a negative financial or labor cost impact of $500 per year or 20 hours per year, the Board of Agriculture must review the findings and provide comments and suggestions to mitigate the impact.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1006