Environment (Agriculture)

HD 2456 requires state agencies, regional boards, and local municipalities to assess and publicly disclose whether new regulations might harm farms in Massachusetts before they take effect. If a rule could negatively impact agricultural operations - such as increasing costs by $500 annually or requiring 20+ extra labor hours - the agency must conduct an impact assessment and submit findings to the Department of Food and Agriculture and legislative committees 45 days (for state) or 90 days (for local) in advance. For rules meeting the cost/labor threshold, agencies must also seek mitigation suggestions from the Board of Agriculture. This bill directly affects all state/local regulatory bodies creating rules that could impact commercial farms, aiming to protect farm viability through transparency and pre-emptive review.

By Representative Hogan of Stow, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4430) of Kate Hogan relative to agriculture resilience and sustainability. Agriculture and Fisheries.