WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 572

An Act relative to protecting aquatic and semiaquatic wildlife on beaches

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis

Requires the DCR to place beach signs guiding the public to safely respond to stranded aquatic and semiaquatic wildlife and how to contact for aid, funded by appropriation.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 572

Summary: An Act relative to protecting aquatic and semiaquatic wildlife on beaches (Senate Docket No. 572)

Overview

  • Bill: An Act relative to protecting aquatic and semiaquatic wildlife on beaches
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Sponsor: Senator Jason M. Lewis
  • Status: House concurred
  • Purpose: To require the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to develop and place public signage on beaches that informs visitors how to act safely and appropriately when encountering stranded aquatic or semiaquatic wildlife (e.g., seals) and to provide a contact mechanism for wildlife assistance.

Key Provisions

  • Amendments to General Laws: Inserts a new Section 65 into Chapter 94, after Section 64.
  • Signage Requirement (subject to appropriation):
    • The DCR shall create signage that explains how the public should respond to stranded aquatic and semiaquatic wildlife found on beaches.
  • Placement and Targeting:
    • Signage shall be placed on beaches near entry points or as the DCR determines is necessary to protect public health and wildlife.
  • Signage Content Requirements:
    • (i) General information about the wildlife that may be found in the area and which species may need assistance if encountered.
    • (ii) A phone number to call if wildlife is in need of assistance.
    • (iii) A caution to the public not to directly engage with wildlife for the safety of both people and animals.
    • (iv) Any other information that may be helpful to the public.

Implementation and Funding

  • Funding: Provisions are “subject to appropriation,” meaning the signage program would require state funding through the annual budgeting process.
  • Execution: The DCR is responsible for creating the signage and determining appropriate locations on beaches; no specific installation date is provided beyond the appropriation and agency determinations.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: General public and beachgoers who may encounter wildlife.
  • Wildlife: Aquatic and semiaquatic species that could be stranded on beaches (e.g., seals) and may require assistance.
  • Governmental: Department of Conservation and Recreation, and potentially local beach managers or municipalities coordinating with DCR.

Legislative History

  • File/Version: Senate Docket No. 572; Senate No. 619
  • 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2025-02-27: House concurred

Potential Impact

  • Public Safety and Wildlife Welfare: Aims to reduce risk to the public and prevent harm to wildlife by guiding behavior and facilitating rapid reporting.
  • Consistency and Clarity: Provides standardized information at beaches to improve responses to stranded wildlife.
  • Budget Considerations: The program’s existence depends on appropriation, affecting timeliness and scale of signage deployment.

If enacted, communities could implement clear, consistent guidance at coastal access points, helping visitors respond safely and responsibly to stranded wildlife while connecting them with appropriate assistance.

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

Sign in to ask a question.