H 4915 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in traveling exhibits and shows

This law bans the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, such as circuses and mobile carnivals, effective January 1, 2025. It prohibits anyone from allowing these animals to perform tricks or participate in entertainment while being transported in vehicles between locations. The ban does not apply to animals that live permanently at a fixed facility, veterinary transport, or film productions that do not involve live public exhibitions. Violations of the new rules can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2024
Committee Review
Jul 2024
House Passage
Jul 2024
Senate Passage
Jul 2024
Signed into Law
Aug 2024
Introduced Jul 25, 2024 Signed Aug 8, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
13
Key actions
6
Committee
1
Aug 8, 2024
Signed into law
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 168 of the Acts of 2024
executive
Jul 31, 2024
Upper · Passed
Enacted and laid before the Governor
upper
Jul 31, 2024
Lower · Passed
Enacted
lower
Jul 31, 2024
Upper · Passed
Read third (title changed) and passed to be engrossed
upper
Jul 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
Passed to be engrossed - 157 YEAS to 0 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 144 )
lower
Jul 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
0 primary · 73 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.