H 797 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act removing barriers to beach access

This bill aims to improve public access to beaches in Massachusetts by preventing state funding from supporting restrictions on local residents and renters. It defines excessive parking fees as any charge higher than the standard rate set by the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation for residents. Under the new rules, state agencies cannot use public money to fund beach projects that limit access or maintain high parking costs. Additionally, municipalities must provide open access to their beaches and lower parking fees to qualify for state or federal grants.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 23, 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
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors