Bill > S562

This bill amends Section 150A of Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws to expand the right of entry for environmental and public health officials. Specifically, the bill allows personnel or authorized agents from the department to enter any premises (both public and private) at reasonable times to investigate, sample, or inspect records, conditions, equipment, practices, or properties related to environmental activities. The bill provides these officials with broad authority to enter premises without a warrant, with the primary goals of protecting public health, preventing environmental damage, and conducting necessary inspections. However, if the property owner or person in control of the premises demands a warrant, the officials must then seek a warrant from a court, judge, or justice authorized to issue criminal warrants. This expanded access is intended to give environmental regulators more flexibility in monitoring and preventing potential environmental violations, ensuring they can quickly respond to situations that might pose risks to public health or the environment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S562