S 496 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to the definition of farming

This bill amends the legal definition of farming in Massachusetts to explicitly exclude the raising of dogs for breeding, other commercial purposes, and commercial grooming. By adding these specific exclusions to the existing statute, the legislation clarifies that these dog-related activities do not qualify as farming under current laws. The change directly affects businesses and individuals involved in the dog breeding and grooming industries by removing any ambiguity about their classification. This adjustment ensures that regulations designed for agricultural operations do not inadvertently apply to commercial dog services.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Apr 2023
House Passage
Apr 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 12, 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
6
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Apr 18, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Apr 13, 2023
Committee
Discharged to the committee on Agriculture
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors