S 502 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to reducing food insecurity

This bill amends Massachusetts law to create a formal process for drivers and passengers who accidentally hit an animal on the road to legally retrieve and use the animal for food. It requires these individuals to immediately report the incident to law enforcement and transport the carcass within 24 hours to a state office to receive a free permit and an official seal. The legislation allows the meat to be donated to approved organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens for distribution to people facing food insecurity, while prohibiting the sale or trade of the animal. Additionally, the bill defines specific terms such as "salvageable animal" and outlines procedures for disposing of animals that are inedible or when no eligible person is involved in the collision.
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 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
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