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H 3397

An Act establishing the official salamander of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 11 co-sponsors

Designates the blue-spotted salamander as Massachusetts' official salamander; a symbolic, no-duty designation with no funding or mandates.

Accompanied a study order, see H5170
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Bill Summary · H 3397

Summary — H.3397: An Act establishing the official salamander of the Commonwealth

Overview

H.3397 seeks to designate the blue-spotted salamander as the official salamander of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill would amend Chapter 2 of the General Laws to codify this symbolic designation, creating a formal recognition of a native salamander species. The measure is largely ceremonial, with no stated regulatory duties, funding, or enforcement provisions beyond the designation itself.

What the bill would do

  • Add a new provision to Chapter 2 of the General Laws establishing the blue-spotted salamander as the official salamander of the Commonwealth.
  • The text specifies: “The blue-spotted salamander shall be the official salamander of the commonwealth.”
  • There are no accompanying duties, programs, funding allocations, or implementation requirements attached to the designation in the bill.

Key provisions and changes

  • Official designation: Blue-spotted salamander designated as the Commonwealth’s official salamander.
  • Scope: Purely symbolic designation; no regulatory powers or mandates described.
  • Legal mechanism: Adds a section to Chapter 2 of the General Laws to effect the designation.

Who or what is affected

  • General public and educational institutions may benefit from increased awareness of local biodiversity and species appreciation.
  • State agencies and official communications could reference the designation in educational or cultural contexts if they choose.
  • No new compliance requirements, licensing changes, or cost obligations are described.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Filed: January 9, 2025 (House Docket No. 399; House Bill No. 3397).
  • Referred to committee: State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (February 27, 2025).
  • Legislative actions indicate a Senate concurrence around the same period.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Room A-1.
  • Related history: Similar measure previously filed as House Bill 3096 in the 2023-2024 session; current bill is part of ongoing consideration of establishing an official salamander.
  • Next steps: If advanced by the committee and passed by both chambers, the bill would proceed to the governor for signature or veto.

Related information

  • Similar matter previously filed: House Bill 3096 (2023-2024).
  • Related House filing: HD 399 (replaces prior version).
  • Official designation relies on a straightforward amendment to Chapter 2 of the General Laws.

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

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