Bill > H3301

This bill allows owners and employees of "retail agricultural businesses," defined as farming operations selling directly to the public through various venues like farm stands or community-supported agriculture programs, to direct traffic on public roads and their property to manage congestion. This authority is granted with the expectation that they will exercise "due care" and can be subject to training and certification programs provided by the Massachusetts state police or a designated law enforcement body. Importantly, the bill shields these individuals from liability for traffic accidents related to their traffic management efforts, as long as they act with due care and follow any required training, unless their actions were negligent. The bill clarifies that it does not create new legal rights against these businesses or remove existing legal protections they may already have.