An Act establishing a commercial fisheries offshore wind mitigation fund

This bill creates a new Commercial Fisheries Offshore Wind Mitigation Fund to support commercial fishermen affected by offshore wind energy projects in Massachusetts. The fund will be managed by the Division of Marine Fisheries and financed through a percentage of contracts with wind developers, fees paid by ratepayers, and other designated donations. Before spending money from the fund, the Division of Marine Fisheries must seek written input from the Commercial Fisheries Commission regarding proposed expenditures. Any money left over at the end of a fiscal year can be carried forward to the next year rather than returning to the state's general budget.