H 841 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to a marine special activity license program

This bill creates a new licensing program in Massachusetts to regulate scientific research and other special activities involving marine organisms. It establishes clear definitions for terms like "attract," "harvest," and "scientific research" to distinguish these activities from standard fishing. The legislation requires the state director to review applications based on factors such as species status, potential environmental impacts, and the applicant's experience before granting permits. Additionally, the bill mandates that research results be published for replication and that restoration efforts include monitoring to ensure their effectiveness.
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 Jul 15, 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 · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Patrick Kearney
Patrick Kearney
DDemocratic
MA
4th Plymouth