WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 435

An Act establishing a special commission to study the noise effects of hunting migratory game birds in neighborhoods and communities within established coastal zones

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Reid

Creates a temporary commission to study noise from hunting migratory birds by watercraft in coastal zones and recommend stricter hunter-distance rules, with a final report.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 435

Summary: House Bill HD 435 — Special Commission on Noise Effects of Hunting Migratory Game Birds

Overview

HD 435 proposes the creation of a temporary, standalone commission to study the noise impacts of hunting migratory game birds from watercraft on neighborhoods and communities located within established coastal zones, as defined by the Department of Fish and Game. The bill also asks the commission to evaluate whether the regulated distance hunters must stay from land should be increased.

What the bill would do

  • Establish a “special commission” to study noise impacts related to watercraft hunting of migratory game birds in coastal zones.
  • Assess whether the current distance hunters must maintain from land is appropriate or should be increased to mitigate noise and community impact.
  • Produce a written report with findings, recommendations, and drafts of any necessary legislation to implement those recommendations.

Commission composition

The commission would include:
- One Senator appointed by the President of the Senate.
- One Representative appointed by the Speaker of the House.
- One Senator appointed by the Senate Minority Leader.
- One Representative appointed by the House Minority Leader.
- The Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs or designee (Chair).
- The Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game or designee.
- The Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue or designee.
- A representative from the sports hunting industry appointed by the Commissioner of Fish and Game.

Appointments are due no later than July 3, 2026.

Meetings and data collection

  • The commission shall hold public meetings in Newburyport, Nahant, Marshfield, and Cape Cod to gather data and testimony.

Reporting and next steps

  • The commission must prepare a written report detailing findings and recommendations, plus drafts of any needed legislation.
  • The report is due to the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Senate President and House Speaker, and various chairs of key committees (Joint Committee on Natural Resources; Ways and Means; Revenue; Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development) no later than December 31, 2026.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Filed: January 9, 2025 (House Docket No. 435). The summary notes a separate introduced date of November 29, 2025 in the bill information; the text itself indicates an initial filing in early 2025.
  • No explicit appropriation or funding provisions are stated in the bill text.

Potential impact and who is affected

  • Affects residents living in coastal-zone neighborhoods where migratory game bird hunting from watercraft occurs, along with hunters and the sports hunting industry.
  • Could inform future regulatory changes, such as revised distance requirements or additional restrictions intended to reduce noise-related disturbances.

Key definitions and scope

  • The term “coastal zones” is tied to areas established by the Department of Fish and Game.
  • Focus is specifically on noise impacts, not other environmental or safety concerns related to hunting.

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

Sign in to ask a question.