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H 3396

An Act designating the official seasoning of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Murphy

Designates Bell’s Seasoning as the official seasoning of Massachusetts; a symbolic honor recognizing the 1867 Bell product from East Weymouth, with no funding or regulatory power.

Accompanied a study order, see H5166
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Bill Summary · H 3396

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill H.3396: An Act designating the official seasoning of the Commonwealth

Overview

  • Bill number: H.3396
  • Title: An Act designating the official seasoning of the Commonwealth
  • Sponsor: Representative James M. Murphy (4th Norfolk)
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current status: Hearing scheduled for June 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in hearing room A-1; referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
  • Version content (core provision): Inserts new Section 65 into Chapter 2 of the General Laws, establishing Bell’s Seasoning as the official seasoning of the Commonwealth

Purpose and intent

  • The bill designates a single, named seasoning—Bell’s Seasoning—as the official seasoning of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • It memorializes Bell’s Seasoning, created by William G. Bell, a Boston inventor in 1867, and manufactured in East Weymouth, Massachusetts.

Key provisions

  • New designation: Chapter 2 of the General Laws would be amended to insert Section 65.
  • Text of designation (summary): “Bell’s Seasoning,” created by William G. Bell, a Boston inventor in 1867 and manufactured in East Weymouth Massachusetts, shall be the official seasoning of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Scope and nature: The designation is symbolic and ceremonial. The bill does not appear to authorize funding, procurement preferences, or regulatory powers beyond the official designation.

Who/what would be affected

  • Bell’s Seasoning (the brand/product): Official designation could affect branding recognition and ceremonial usage within state government and events.
  • Manufacturing location: East Weymouth, Massachusetts is acknowledged as the manufacturing site in the designation.
  • General public and Commonwealth branding: The designation could influence state communications, promotional materials, and formal acknowledgments that reference the Commonwealth’s official seasoning.

Legislative history and process

  • Similar matter: Previously filed in 2023-2024 as House Bill No. 3094.
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on February 27, 2025.
  • Senate action: Senate concurred on February 27, 2025 (as reflected in the legislative actions list).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Room A-1.
  • Official docket and filing: House Docket No. 1990; filed January 15, 2025.

Timeline and next steps

  • 01/15/2025: Filed
  • 02/27/2025: Referred to committee; Senate concurred
  • 06/24/2025: Hearing scheduled
  • Post-hearing: Committee vote and potential floor action in the House (and Senate), followed by potential enactment or rejection

Notes

  • The bill is primarily symbolic, designating a specific seasoning as the Commonwealth’s official seasoning without indicating funding, procurement, or regulatory changes.
  • The designation honors a historical product and founder associated with Massachusetts manufacturing.

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

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