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H 3998

An Act relative to promoting native plantings for stormwater management, pollinator support and climate resilience

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 2 co-sponsors

Establishes a Native Planting Fund and MassDOT program to promote native plantings along highways and public lands to improve stormwater management, pollinator habitats, and climat

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 3998

Summary: H 3998 — An Act relative to promoting native plantings for stormwater management, pollinator support and climate resilience

Overview

House Bill 3998 seeks to promote the cultivation and maintenance of native plants along state highways and other public lands in Massachusetts. The bill establishes a dedicated Native Planting Fund to finance green infrastructure projects, pollinator habitat, and climate-resilient landscaping. It envisions partnerships with municipalities, environmental groups, nurseries, and private entities, and includes a vanity license plate to support funding. The measure is intended as an emergency law to address immediate environmental benefits.

What the bill would do

  • Establish a Native Planting Fund (Chapter 29, new Section 2KKKKKK) under MassDOT, funded by:
    • Appropriations designated to the fund
    • Interest earned
    • State and federal green infrastructure grants
    • Revenue from a dedicated vanity license plate featuring native pollinator imagery
    • Funds do not revert to the General Fund at year-end and are not subject to further appropriation
  • Create a MassDOT program (Chapter 81, new Section 33) to promote native plantings on land along highways and public lands, with goals to:
    • Use native plantings in green infrastructure (e.g., rain gardens, bio-swales, permeable landscapes) to reduce runoff and improve water quality
    • Create and enhance habitats for pollinators using region-native species
    • Improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce maintenance needs (e.g., mowing, pesticides)
  • Require MassDOT (in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection, and environmental groups) to:
    • Identify priority locations and establish standards for plant selection and maintenance
    • Encourage innovative stormwater management techniques that integrate native vegetation
    • Coordinate with municipalities and regional planning bodies to implement pilot projects and community initiatives
  • Provide program support:
    • Grants to municipalities for designing/installing green infrastructure with native plantings
    • Partnerships with nurseries and landscapers to supply native plants and support local jobs
    • Public-private partnerships to reduce costs and expand outreach
    • Vanity license plate proceeds to fund program activities and municipal grants
  • Promote community engagement and education about benefits (environmental, economic, health) and involve volunteers, schools, and community organizations
  • Establish measurable goals and reporting requirements, including metrics on runoff reduction, water quality, pollinator biodiversity, maintenance cost savings, and annual public/legislative reporting
  • Require regulatory rules to implement the program within 1 year of the act’s effective date

Funding, administration, and accountability

  • Native Planting Fund is administered by MassDOT as custodian
  • Eligible fund sources include designated appropriations, grants, and vanity plate revenue
  • Annual reporting to key legislative and executive branch committees and clerks is required
  • Rules and regulations to carry out the act must be promulgated within one year

Who is affected

  • Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and its districts
  • Municipalities and regional planning agencies
  • Environmental organizations and advocacy groups
  • Local nurseries, landscapers, and green infrastructure vendors
  • Residents who may participate in volunteer programs or purchase the vanity pollinator license plate
  • General public through improved stormwater management and local biodiversity

Status and timeline

  • Introduced: April 3, 2025
  • Reported favorably by committee; referred to House Ways and Means (2025-09-08)
  • Related House bill HD 2420 (replaces)
  • Hearing dates noted for June 2025; Senate concurrence occurred in April 2025

Potential impact

  • Improved stormwater management and water quality on state land and along roadways
  • Expanded habitat for pollinators and greater biodiversity
  • Reduced maintenance costs from native landscaping and fewer pesticide applications
  • Job creation through partnerships with nurseries, landscapers, and educational programs
  • New public engagement and educational opportunities related to native vegetation and climate resilience

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

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