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SD 148

An Act establishing the official marine invertebrate of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr

Designates the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab as Massachusetts' official marine invertebrate; a symbolic status with no new powers, programs, or funding.

Referred to the committee on Agriculture
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Bill Summary · SD 148

Summary of Senate Bill SD 148: An Act establishing the official marine invertebrate of the Commonwealth

Overview

  • Bill number: SD 148 (Senate Docket No. 148)
  • Title: An Act establishing the official marine invertebrate of the Commonwealth
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Sponsor: Senator Julian Cyr (Cape and Islands)
  • Current status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture (as of the provided information)
  • Legislative context: In the 194th General Court (2025-2026)

What the bill would change

  • The bill would amend Chapter 2 of the General Laws by inserting a new section after section 64, creating Section 65.
  • Section 65 designates the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) as the official marine invertebrate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Key provisions

  • Explicit designation: The Atlantic Horseshoe Crab is formally named as the official marine invertebrate.
  • Placement in law: The new designation would be added to Chapter 2 of the General Laws, following existing sections (i.e., as Section 65).

Who or what would be affected

  • Massachusetts Commonwealth would adopt the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab as an official symbol of its marine invertebrates.
  • No new regulatory powers, programmatic funding, or mandates are specified in the text; the bill does not create programs or funding streams or impose new obligations on agencies beyond the designation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Filed as: Senate petition accompanying Senate Bill 57 (S.B. 57).
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture (February 27, 2025).
  • Legislative history context: Filed January 8, 2025 (SENATE DOCKET, No. 148); part of the 194th General Court (2025-2026).
  • Effective date: Not specified in the text provided. Typically, if enacted, the act would become effective as provided in the bill or upon standard constitutional in-force dates, but no explicit date is stated here.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Primarily a symbolic designation recognizing the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab as the Commonwealth’s official marine invertebrate.
  • Does not appear to authorize new regulatory actions, conservation measures, or funding commitments within the bill itself.
  • Could support educational, outreach, or tourism-related efforts by highlighting a notable native species; may encourage public awareness of marine invertebrates and local ecosystems.
  • Any additional programs or protections would require separate legislation or administrative action.

Note

  • The provided text focuses on designation and does not include additional duties, standards, or fiscal provisions. If enacted, future implementing language could clarify any related responsibilities for state agencies or funds.

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

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