S 1091 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to direct food donations

SD 711 protects food service entities and retail stores from civil liability when donating food (including open-dated food past its date) directly to individuals at no cost or for minimal handling fees. The bill shields donors from lawsuits related to food condition, provided the donated food is not misbranded, adulterated, or handled in violation of public health regulations. It also excludes liability if the injury resulted from the donor's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. This law directly affects businesses donating surplus food, encouraging such donations by reducing legal risks while maintaining safety standards.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Dec 18, 2025
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
7
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors