Bill > H135

This bill introduces new requirements for state, regional, city, and town agencies to assess and disclose potential impacts on commercial agricultural operations before implementing new rules or regulations. Specifically, these agencies must publicly post whether a proposed regulation might adversely affect agricultural businesses, and if a potential impact is identified, they must conduct a comprehensive impact assessment. This assessment must examine effects on future land use, environmental considerations, and associated costs. For state and regional agencies, the assessment must be submitted to the joint committee on natural resources and agriculture and the ways and means committees at least 45 days before implementation. Local agencies must complete a standardized form from the department of food and agriculture at least 90 days before finalizing any regulation that could impact agricultural operations. The bill defines "agricultural" using an existing legal definition and includes a provision that if a proposed regulation would result in annual costs of $500 or 20 labor hours, the board of agriculture must be consulted to suggest potential mitigation strategies. Emergency regulations protecting public health and safety are exempt from these requirements. The overall goal is to provide a more transparent and collaborative process for creating regulations that might affect farming businesses in the Commonwealth.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H135