An Act establishing the official barrier boat of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Rush

Designates Lil' Davey as Massachusetts' official barrier boat, a symbolic status added to Chapter 2, Sec. 64; no duties, funding, or regulatory powers specified.

Summary of Senate Bill SD 727: An Act Establishing the Official Barrier Boat of the Commonwealth

Purpose and intent

The bill would designate a specific literary character as an official symbol of the Commonwealth by adding a new provision to the Massachusetts General Laws.

Specifically, it designates “Lil' Davey,” the literary character in the book “Lil' Davey The Smallest Boat in the Navy,” as the official barrier boat of the Commonwealth.

Key provisions

Amendment: Adds a new Section 64 to Chapter 2 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Official designation: “Lil' Davey” is named the official barrier boat of the Commonwealth.

Naming authority: The designation is codified in law, rather than created as a separate agency rule or policy.

Who/what would be affected

The designation primarily affects state symbolism and public perception, with the General Laws recognizing a literary character as the official barrier boat.

No specific duties, responsibilities, or regulatory powers are outlined for state agencies, municipalities, or other entities in the text provided.

No funding, staffing, or operational requirements are described.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Docket and sponsorship: The bill is presented as Senate Docket No. 727, with a sponsor listed as Mr. Rush (by request) and a petition by Michael Kelly.

Lawmaking status: The version content notes the bill was filed on January 14, 2025, in the 194th General Court (2025-2026). The user-provided “Introduced” date (November 29, 2025) appears inconsistent with the bill text’s filing date.

Next steps: If enacted, the bill would amend the General Laws to formally codify the designation. Absent any fiscal or regulatory provisions, the change would be largely symbolic.

Observations and considerations

Substantive impact is largely ceremonial: it creates an official designation without outlining duties, costs, or implementation mechanics.

The bill does not specify any requirements for display, adoption by agencies, or usage in official venues beyond the designation itself.

Potential questions for further review could include how the symbolic designation would be publicized and whether any accompanying commemorative activities or educational materials would be developed.

This summary reflects the bill’s text and stated purpose: to establish Lil' Davey as the official barrier boat of the Commonwealth by adding a new Section 64 to Chapter 2 of the General Laws.