H 4421
An Act establishing healthy soil performance guidelines
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Bill overview
This bill aims to establish guidelines for ‘healthy soil performance’ in Massachusetts. It directs the Department of Environmental Protection to create regulations covering aspects like soil depth, carbon storage, stormwater runoff, and fertilizer use. The bill also modifies existing definitions related to turf and soil to align with the concept of ‘healthy soils’ and includes provisions for fines for violations and appeals processes.
Key provisions
- The Department of Environmental Protection will create regulations for soil performance guidelines.
- Regulations will address soil depth and quality, carbon storage, stormwater runoff, and fertilizer input.
- The definition of ‘Functional turf’ is added to include areas like lawns, parks, and sports fields.
- A new definition of ‘Turf’ is established, referring to dense plant coverage with interconnected roots.
- A new definition of ‘Utility turf’ is established, focusing on ecological and practical functions of turf.
- Fines are established for violations of soil performance regulations.
- An appeals process is outlined for fines assessed by the Department.
- The definition of ‘Lawn’ or ‘non-agricultural turf’ is removed from Chapter 128.
Who is affected
- Developers and construction companies
- Land managers
- Property owners (residential and commercial)
- The Department of Environmental Protection
- Municipalities
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries
Cosponsors
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos
Bruce E. Tarr
David T. Vieira
Jessica Ann Giannino
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Bill H.4421 194th (Current)
An Act establishing healthy soil performance guidelines
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4421
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 9/8/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Agriculture and Fisheries |
| 9/8/2025 | House | New draft of H125 and H142 |
| 9/8/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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