H 3345
An Act designating Blanding's turtle as the official turtle of the Commonwealth
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to officially designate the Blanding’s turtle as the state turtle of Massachusetts. Currently, there isn't an officially designated state turtle, and this legislation aims to establish the Blanding’s turtle as the symbol for the species. The bill was previously introduced and considered in prior legislative sessions, demonstrating ongoing interest in recognizing this turtle’s importance to the state’s natural heritage. It’s a symbolic gesture intended to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for the Blanding’s turtle.
Key provisions
- Designates the Blanding’s turtle as the official turtle of Massachusetts.
- Establishes the Blanding’s turtle as the state’s turtle emblem.
- Recognizes the importance of the Blanding’s turtle to the Commonwealth’s biodiversity.
- No specific actions are outlined beyond the designation itself.
Who is affected
- Massachusetts residents
- Conservation organizations
- State government agencies
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Researchers studying Blanding’s turtles
Notable changes
- Currently, Massachusetts does not have an officially designated state turtle.
- This bill builds upon previous attempts to establish the Blanding’s turtle as the state symbol.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Steven Ultrino
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.3345 194th (Current)
An Act designating Blanding's turtle as the official turtle of the Commonwealth
By Representative Hogan of Stow, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3345) of Kate Hogan for legislation to designate the blanding turtle as the official turtle or turtle emblem of the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Kate Hogan
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Bill History Petitioners Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.3345
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/18/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/24/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1 |
| 3/2/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5166 |
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