Bill > H748

This bill requires all state and regional agencies, boards, and commissions to publicly post whether any new rule, regulation, or other regulatory requirement will negatively affect commercial farms in the Commonwealth, with "agricultural" defined by existing law. If a potential adverse impact is identified, the responsible agency must conduct an assessment, considering factors like future land use and environmental costs, and submit these findings to specific legislative committees at least 45 days before the rule is finalized. Similarly, city and town agencies must complete a form prescribed by the department of food and agriculture at least 90 days before enacting any rule that could adversely impact commercial farms, with specific submission dates for by-laws and ordinances reviewed by the Attorney General, and no such regulatory action, unless an emergency, can take effect until these requirements are met.