An Act strengthening local food systems
This bill strengthens local food systems in Massachusetts by requiring emergency plans to support agriculture and food production during supply chain disruptions. It creates a new full-time food system coordinator to manage state programs, track progress, and ensure underserved communities receive support. The legislation also establishes a non-enforcement circuit rider program to help farmers navigate regulations and access funding, while updating property tax rules to include the value of agricultural infrastructure. Finally, the bill authorizes the state to acquire land and easements to protect agricultural and horticultural areas for future use.
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 Jan 26, 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 Agriculture
upper
1 primary · 14 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jo Comerford
DDemocratic
Co
Anne M. Gobi
DDemocratic
Co
Becca Rausch
DDemocratic
Co
Bruce Tarr
RRepublican
Co
Hannah Kane
RRepublican
Co
Jamie Eldridge
DDemocratic
Co
Jason Lewis
DDemocratic
Co
Joan Lovely
DDemocratic
Co
Paul Mark
DDemocratic
Co
Sal DiDomenico
DDemocratic
Co
Susan Gifford
RRepublican
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