An Act encouraging the donation of food to persons in need
This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect individuals and food establishments from civil lawsuits when they donate food, including items that have passed their expiration dates, to nonprofit organizations or other recipients. The protections apply as long as the donated food is not misbranded or adulterated and was handled in compliance with public health regulations, while also excluding cases involving gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct by the donor. By removing liability for injuries caused by the condition of such donated food, the legislation aims to encourage more people and businesses to contribute surplus food to those in need without fear of legal repercussions.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Jul 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Aug 5, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
4
Committee
1
Jul 25, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
May 20, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Apr 1, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 40 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Hannah Kane
RRepublican
Co
Brian Ashe
DDemocratic
Co
Brian Murray
DDemocratic
Co
Bruce Tarr
RRepublican
Co
Carole Fiola
DDemocratic
Co
Colleen Garry
DDemocratic
Co
Dave Robertson
DDemocratic
Co
David DeCoste
RRepublican
Co
Erika Uyterhoeven
DDemocratic
Co
James Arena-DeRosa
DDemocratic
Co
Jamie Eldridge
DDemocratic
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