Bill > S2571

This bill establishes a new "Nature for All Fund" to support conservation and improvement of natural and working lands in Massachusetts, with multiple key objectives. The fund will be primarily financed through sales tax revenues from specific industry classification codes and can also accept public and private donations. The fund's purposes include creating and improving parks and outdoor spaces (especially in underserved neighborhoods), conserving land to protect water quality, advancing biodiversity and climate goals, connecting open spaces, preserving indigenous cultural lands, and supporting land management. A 15-member board will oversee the fund, including government officials and public representatives from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on environmental justice and indigenous representation. The board will approve regulations and expenditures, ensuring that funds are used to enhance natural resources and improve access to outdoor spaces. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs will manage the fund and must submit annual reports detailing expenditures and fund balances. The bill also allows the state treasurer to issue special obligation bonds to support the fund's initiatives, with specific provisions to ensure financial transparency and accountability. The overall goal is to provide equitable access to nature, protect biodiversity, and address climate change through strategic land conservation and improvement efforts.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2571