H 5139
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
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a process for reviewing guidelines used to manage recreational beach use in Massachusetts, with the goal of protecting piping plovers, terns, and their habitats. The review will ensure these guidelines effectively safeguard these vulnerable species and their environments. The legislation aims to improve the management of beaches to benefit both recreational users and the natural environment.
Key provisions
- Creates a review process for beach management guidelines.
- Specifically targets the protection of piping plovers, terns, and their habitats.
- The review process will be overseen by the committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
- The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- A hearing was scheduled for March 4, 2026, to discuss the proposed guidelines.
- The bill was reported favorably by the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
- The bill was referred to the House Committee on House Rules.
- The bill was reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Who is affected
- Beach recreational users
- Environmental organizations
- Massachusetts coastal communities
- Piping plovers
- Terns
Notable changes
- Establishes a formal review process for existing beach management guidelines.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Kenneth P. Sweezey
Cosponsor
Kenneth P. Sweezey
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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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