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H 5088

An Act designating asparagus as the official vegetable of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Shirley Arriaga and 14 co-sponsors

Designates asparagus as the official vegetable of Massachusetts in a purely symbolic, declaratory change with no new programs or funding.

Hearing rescheduled to 05/20/2026 from 01:00 PM-02:05 PM in B-1 Hearing updated to New End Time
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 5088

Bill Summary: H 5088 (194th MA General Court)

Title

An Act designating asparagus as the official vegetable of the Commonwealth.

Purpose and Intent

  • To designate asparagus as the official vegetable of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Framed as a symbolic official designation intended to recognize and celebrate asparagus, an agricultural product associated with Massachusetts.

Key Provisions

  • Adds a new section to Chapter 2 of the General Laws, designated as Section 65.
  • Explicit provision: “Asparagus shall be the official vegetable of the commonwealth.”
  • No additional regulatory or administrative duties, funding, or implementing rules appear within the text of the bill. The designation is purely declaratory.

Affected Entities

  • The Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an official entity (state government) and its residents.
  • No specific agencies, programs, or agencies are tasked with implementation, funding, or oversight beyond noting the official designation.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Original filing: House Docket No. 5474, filed December 22, 2025.
  • Status history:
    • Referred to the House Rules (Dec 31, 2025).
    • Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, rules suspended, and referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (Jan 20, 2026).
    • Senate concurrence: February 9, 2026.
    • Hearing scheduled: May 20, 2026 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) in room B-1.
  • Sponsors and support:
    • Primary sponsor: Representative Homar Gómez (Easthampton).
    • Co-sponsors include a broad group of legislators (names listed in the bill text), indicating cross-member support.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Diplomatic/Symbolic Value: Serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of asparagus, which may reflect regional agriculture and culinary culture.
  • Practical Impact: None in terms of regulatory requirements, funding, or administrative duties given the bill’s declaratory language.
  • Public Platform: Could be used in legislative branding, tourism, or educational contexts to highlight Massachusetts agriculture.

Summary

H 5088 seeks to elevate asparagus to the status of official vegetable of the Commonwealth through a straightforward declaratory amendment to Massachusetts General Laws. It establishes a symbolic designation without creating new programs or fiscal obligations. The bill has moved through the standard legislative process and received concurrence in the Senate, with a scheduled public hearing to discuss its merits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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