Bill > S468

This bill aims to reinforce the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act by clarifying the authority of the "Division," which refers to the division of fisheries and wildlife within the department of fisheries, wildlife, and environmental law enforcement. Specifically, it mandates that the Division cannot create new regulations that would lead to the taking or restriction of private land, including restrictions imposed by permits, unless these regulations follow specific established processes and the land is officially recognized as a "significant habitat" under the Act. Furthermore, the bill requires the Division to review and either repeal or modify existing regulations, such as those found in 321 CMR 10.11-10.26 et seq., that might result in land taking or restriction, again ensuring they comply with the established processes and habitat definitions. The bill provides a 180-day deadline for the Division to make these changes, stating that if the regulations are not rescinded or revised within that timeframe, they will be automatically considered rescinded.