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MA H4422

MA H4422
Prohibiting the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption


summary

Introduced
09/08/2025
In Committee
09/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

194th General Court

Bill Summary

Prohibiting the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption

AI Summary

This bill prohibits the aquaculture (commercial cultivation) of octopuses for human consumption in Massachusetts. The bill defines key terms, including "aquaculture" as the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms, and specifically clarifies that "octopus" does not include wild-caught specimens or those raised for research purposes. Under the proposed law, no person or business entity may engage in octopus aquaculture, sell, possess, or transport octopuses produced through aquaculture. Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, with each day of continued violation considered a separate offense. The bill explicitly permits wild-catching of octopuses and the sale of wild-caught octopuses. The legislation allows the relevant division to create regulations to implement these provisions and notes that wild-caught octopuses landing in Massachusetts will be regulated under existing maritime regulations to ensure proper handling, transport, and market differentiation between wild-caught and aquaculture-raised octopus products.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (2)

Other Sponsors (1)

Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries (J)

Last Action

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (on 09/08/2025)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4422
BillText https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4422.pdf
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