Bill > S662

This bill establishes a Drought Management Task Force within the state government to improve Massachusetts' ability to respond to and manage drought conditions. The task force will be jointly coordinated by the secretary of a state agency and the director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and will include officials from various state and potentially federal agencies, as well as public health, safety, and environmental professionals. The task force is required to meet at least quarterly, and more frequently during drought periods, with a dedicated director appointed by the secretary. Its primary responsibilities include collecting and assessing technical information about drought conditions, facilitating communication among agencies and the public, and providing recommendations to state leadership about drought severity and appropriate responses. The bill also grants the secretary the authority to order water conservation measures, such as restricting nonessential outdoor water use, which will be uniformly applied across drought-affected regions. Additionally, the legislation mandates that cities and towns enforce water conservation restrictions issued by the secretary to the fullest extent possible under the law, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to drought management.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S662