H5139
An Act establishing a review process of guidelines for managing recreational use of beaches to protect piping plovers, terns, and their habitats in Massachusetts
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
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Bill overview
This bill establishes a process to review and potentially revise guidelines for managing recreational use of Massachusetts beaches. The goal is to better protect endangered birds, specifically piping plovers and terns, and their habitats. The review will consider how beach activities impact these vulnerable species and their environments. It aims to ensure a balance between public access and wildlife conservation.
Key provisions
- Creates a review process for beach management guidelines.
- Specifically focuses on protecting piping plovers, terns, and their habitats.
- Will consider the impact of recreational use on these species.
- The review process will be overseen by relevant committees.
- The bill was referred to the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Who is affected
- Beachgoers and recreational users of Massachusetts beaches
- Piping plovers and terns
- Massachusetts coastal communities
- Environmental Protection Agency (likely)
- State government agencies responsible for coastal management
Notable changes
- Establishes a formal review mechanism for existing beach management practices.
- Highlights the importance of protecting endangered bird populations.
- Potentially leads to adjustments in beach access regulations or restrictions.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Kenneth P. Sweezey
Cosponsor
Kenneth P. Sweezey
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.5139 194th (Current)
An Act establishing a review process of guidelines for managing recreational use of beaches to protect piping plovers, terns, and their habitats in Massachusetts
By Representative Sweezey of Duxbury, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kenneth P. Sweezey for legislation to establish a review process of guidelines for managing recreational use of beaches to protect piping plovers, terns and their habitats. Environment and Natural Resources.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Kenneth P. Sweezey Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.5139
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 11/3/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on House Rules |
| 2/9/2026 | House | Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources |
| 2/19/2026 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 2/24/2026 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 03/04/2026 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in 222 |
| 3/4/2026 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 03/04/2026 from 10:00 AM-11:15 AM in 222 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 3/19/2026 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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