An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows
This bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts such as circuses and carnivals across Massachusetts. It specifically bans these animals from participating in performances where they are transported in mobile facilities like trucks or trailers for the purpose of entertainment. The law applies to individuals and businesses but explicitly excludes animals housed at permanent, non-mobile institutions that do not transport the animals for the event. Violations of this new chapter can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved, and enforcement is assigned to state and local law enforcement officials.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Feb 8, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House. 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
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
upper
1 primary · 21 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Adam Gómez
DDemocratic
Co
Angelo Puppolo
DDemocratic
Co
Becca Rausch
DDemocratic
Co
Brad Jones
RRepublican
Co
Brendan Crighton
DDemocratic
Co
Brian Ashe
DDemocratic
Co
Bruce Tarr
RRepublican
Co
Carmine Gentile
DDemocratic
Co
David DeCoste
RRepublican
Co
Jack Lewis
DDemocratic
Co
Jamie Eldridge
DDemocratic
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