WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 3073

An Act designating asparagus as the official vegetable of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts would officially designate asparagus as the commonwealth’s official vegetable, a ceremonial recognition with no new duties, funding, or regulatory effects.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Rules
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3073

Summary of Bill: An Act designating asparagus as the official vegetable of the Commonwealth (Massachusetts)

Overview

  • Bill & Session: Senate Bill No. 3073, 194th General Court (Massachusetts, 2025-2026)
  • Introduced by: Sen. Joanne M. Comerford (with multiple co-sponsors: Sen. Mindy Domb and Sen. Susannah M. Whipps)
  • Purpose: To designate asparagus as the official vegetable of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Key Provisions

  • Official Designation: Adds a new section to Chapter 2 of the General Laws, creating Section 65, which states:
    • “Asparagus shall be the official vegetable of the commonwealth.”
  • This is a formal, symbolic designation with no stated regulatory or fiscal obligations beyond the designation itself.

Provisions, Changes, and Impacts

  • Scope: The designation applies to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its government, residents, and institutions.
  • Regulatory Impact: The bill does not propose changes to agricultural policy, funding, labeling requirements, or production standards. It is a ceremonial designation.
  • Fiscal Impact: No new appropriations or fiscal obligations are specified. The act is informational in nature.

Affected Parties

  • General Public: Residents and visitors may recognize asparagus as the Commonwealth’s official vegetable.
  • State Agencies and Institutions: Would acknowledge the designation in practice, though no mandated actions or reporting requirements are attached.
  • Agriculture and Horticulture Community: May use the designation in educational, promotional, or tourism-related materials (without legal obligations).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Committee Referrals:
    • Referred to the joint Rules of the two branches (2025-12-24)
    • Subsequently referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (2026-02-05)
  • Floor Action:
    • House concurred with the amendment/conference actions on 2026-04-30
    • The bill reflects standard legislative progression for a ceremonial designation.
  • Status: The bill has completed typical legislative steps for ceremonial designations (referrals, committee consideration, and House concurrence). No indication of a veto or enactment failure is provided in the record.

Plain-Language Summary

The bill would officially designate asparagus as Massachusetts’ state vegetable. It creates a formal, symbolic recognition within the General Laws (Chapter 2, adding Section 65) but does not impose new duties, funding, or regulatory requirements. The designation is primarily honorary, reflecting a cultural or agricultural interest in asparagus without altering governance or policy.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison with other state vegetable designations or draft a one-page lay summary for public distribution.

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

Sign in to ask a question.