H 131
An Act to open the Massachusetts lobster fishery
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow Massachusetts commercial lobster fishermen to fish year-round in state waters, rather than the current seasonal restrictions. The legislation, proposed by Representative Kearney, aims to remove limitations on the lobster fishing industry. It was referred to the committee on Agriculture and subsequently concurred by the Senate.
Key provisions
- Allows commercial lobster fishermen to fish year-round.
- Applies to fishing within state waters.
- Introduced by Representative Patrick Kearney.
- Previously considered under similar legislation (H.814, H.952, H.837).
- Currently under review by the committee on Agriculture and Fisheries.
Who is affected
- Commercial lobster fishermen in Massachusetts
- The Massachusetts lobster fishing industry
- State waters of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Changes the current seasonal restrictions on lobster fishing.
- Provides year-round access to state waters for lobster fishermen.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Patrick Joseph Kearney
Cosponsor
Patrick Joseph Kearney
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Bill H.131 194th (Current)
An Act to open the Massachusetts lobster fishery
By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 131) of Patrick Joseph Kearney for legislation to authorize commercial lobster fisherman to fish according to their permit for 12 months a year in state waters. Agriculture.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Patrick Joseph Kearney
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.131
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Agriculture |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 4/30/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/13/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:00 PM in B-1 |
| 6/27/2025 | Joint | Referred, pursuant to an order adopted by the two branches, to the committee on Agriculture and Fisheries |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/16/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5242 (under House Rule 27) |
Similar Bills
H.814 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act to open the Massachusetts lobster fishery
H.952 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act to open the Massachusetts lobster fishery
H.837 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act to open the Massachusetts lobster fishery
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