Bill > H981

This bill establishes a special 11-member commission dedicated to studying and improving pollinator health across Massachusetts. The commission will investigate opportunities to enhance native pollinator habitat in diverse settings including farms, forests, residential areas, parks, urban spaces, industrial zones, energy facilities, and transportation corridors. The commission will focus on a wide range of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, ants, bats, and birds. The commission's members will include legislators, state agency representatives, and experts from universities, farming advocacy groups, beekeeping organizations, and land protection nonprofits. Their specific tasks include examining current pollinator-related laws, studying successful public education strategies, assessing funding adequacy, investigating pollinator population data collection methods, evaluating best management practices for pollinator health, and researching ways to expand public education about protecting pollinator habitats. The commission is required to submit a comprehensive report with potential legislative recommendations to relevant state committees by March 1, 2026, with the goal of developing strategies to protect and expand pollinator populations throughout the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H981