An Act establishing May as native plant month

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hannah Kane and 3 co-sponsors

Designates May as Native Plant Month in MA to raise awareness and encourage voluntary conservation and appreciation of native plants via annual gubernatorial proclamations.

House concurred

Summary: An Act establishing May as Native Plant Month (Senate Docket No. 127)

Purpose and intent

This bill would designate May as Native Plant Month in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its core goal is to raise public awareness about native plant species and encourage participation by community groups, schools, and residents in activities that conserve, restore, and appreciate plants native to Massachusetts.

Key provisions

Amends Chapter 6 of the General Laws (as appearing in 2022 Official Edition) by inserting a new section, Section 15AAAAAAA, after Section 15ZZZZZZ.

The Governor would annually issue a proclamation setting aside the month of May as Native Plant Month.

The proclamation’s purpose is to increase public awareness of native plant species and to encourage activities by community groups, schools, and citizens that promote conservation, restoration, and appreciation of native plants native to the Commonwealth.

The bill recommends observation of Native Plant Month in an appropriate manner by the people, but does not impose mandatory actions or penalties.

Who would be affected

The Governor, who would issue the annual proclamation.

Massachusetts residents, educational institutions, community and environmental organizations, and other groups engaged in conservation, restoration, or education about native plants.

The provisions are incentive- and awareness-focused (non-enforcement), relying on voluntary observance and activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Legislative actions: Referred to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on February 27, 2025; the bill subsequently received House concurrence.

Status: House concurred with the Senate version (as of the latest update provided).

Effective date: Not specified in the text; would become law upon enactment and signature, with the Governor issuing annual May proclamations thereafter.

Fiscal and administrative implications

The text does not authorize funding or new programs; it prescribes an annual gubernatorial proclamation.

Administrative impact is expected to be minor, limited to the Governor’s Office’s routine proclamation process, and any accompanying communications or outreach by state agencies or partner organizations is likely to be voluntary and low-cost.

Notes

The bill seeks a non-binding, symbolic recognition to promote public engagement with native flora rather than create regulatory requirements or funding mechanisms.

It reflects an environmental-awareness initiative aligned with conservation and native species appreciation.