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H 3438

An Act establishing the official sedimentary structure of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 13 co-sponsors

Designates the Jurassic Armored Mud Ball as Massachusetts' official sedimentary structure, a symbolic distinction with no regulatory or financial obligations.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 3438

Summary: H.3438 — An Act establishing the official sedimentary structure of the Commonwealth

Purpose and intent

  • Designates a single official sedimentary structure for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Specifically designates the “Jurassic Armored Mud Ball” as the official sedimentary structure.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Chapter 2 of the General Laws, adding a new Section 65.
  • Section 65 states: “The Jurassic Armored Mud Ball shall be the official sedimentary structure of the Commonwealth.”
  • The text provided does not specify an explicit effective date beyond the act’s passage; no other substantive changes to the General Laws are included.

Who/what is affected

  • The designation creates a symbolic, ceremonial official status for the Jurassic Armored Mud Ball within Massachusetts law.
  • No broader regulatory or fiscal obligations are stated in the bill. The change appears primarily symbolic, aimed at formal recognition rather than new regulatory requirements.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Filed: January 10, 2025 (House Docket No. 548).
  • Sponsored by: Susannah M. Whipps (primary) with a broad group of cosponsors (see list in bill text).
  • Related matter: Similar bill previously filed in 2023-2024 (House No. 3129) and related to House Docket No. 548 (HD 548 replaces).
  • Committee path: Referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (February 27, 2025); later reported favorably and referred to House Steering, Policy and Scheduling (October 30, 2025).
  • Floor actions:
    • 2025-11-26 — Committee reported the matter to be placed in the Orders of the Day; Rules suspended; read second and ordered to a third reading.
    • 2025-11-26 — Status indicates it is in the process of moving to a third reading.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 24, 2025 (A-1) with subsequent actions indicated, including extensions of the reporting date.

Sponsors

  • Primary: Susannah M. Whipps (Athol)
  • Cosponsors include: Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Natalie M. Blais, Natalie M. Higgins, Sean Garballey, Rodney M. Elliott, James J. O’Day, Homar Gómez, Tackey Chan, Dawne Shand, Kelly W. Pease, Jacob R. Oliveira, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Aaron L. Saunders.

Related procedural/timeline notes

  • The bill has progressed through committee consideration, hearings, and multiple reporting actions.
  • Notably, the bill’s path includes a concurrent or Senate action noted as “Senate concurred” on February 27, 2025, indicating initial cross-chamber alignment, followed by House actions to advance to third reading.

Potential impact

  • This is a symbolic designation with no described regulatory or financial obligations beyond recognition in state law.
  • Could be used in educational, cultural, or tourism-related discussions about Massachusetts geology and natural history.

If you’d like, I can add a short comparative note on similar symbolic designations in other states or provide a plain-language FAQ for public outreach.

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

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