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H 402

An Act relative to the protection of open spaces

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Hunt

Summary of Bill H 402: An Act relative to the Protection of Open Spaces Bill OverviewThis bill, titled "An Act relative to the protection of open spaces", aims to enhance the prese

Hearing rescheduled to 10/01/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing location changed
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Bill Summary · H 402

Summary of Bill H 402: An Act relative to the Protection of Open Spaces

Bill Overview

This bill, titled "An Act relative to the protection of open spaces", aims to enhance the preservation and management of open spaces in the state. It seeks to replace the previously introduced HD 1064 bill.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes the "Open Space Protection Fund" to provide financial assistance for the acquisition, protection, and stewardship of open spaces, including forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands.
  • Requires state agencies and municipalities to develop comprehensive open space plans that identify priority areas for conservation and establish management strategies.
  • Provides tax incentives, such as property tax abatements, for landowners who voluntarily protect their land as permanent open space.
  • Increases penalties for the unauthorized use or destruction of protected open spaces.
  • Mandates the creation of a statewide open space inventory and monitoring program to track the status and condition of open spaces over time.

Affected Stakeholders

  • State and local government agencies responsible for land use planning and natural resource management
  • Private landowners with open space on their property
  • Environmental and conservation organizations
  • Developers and businesses that may be impacted by open space protection measures

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill was originally introduced on March 13, 2025, and is currently in the hearing stage.
  • The hearing for the bill has been rescheduled to October 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and the hearing location has been changed to a virtual format.
  • If passed, the bill's provisions would come into effect on January 1, 2026, allowing time for state and local governments to implement the necessary programs and policies.

Overall, this bill aims to strengthen the protection and management of open spaces in the state, with the goal of preserving critical natural resources, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities for current and future generations.

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

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