Authorizes private membership establishments to have certain licenses for sale of alcohol

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gianaris

Adds the Belchertown Snowmobile Association to the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee’s statutory list, granting inclusion and potential input rights.

SUBSTITUTED BY A7040B

Main purpose

S.652 would amend section 13 of chapter 92A½ of the Massachusetts General Laws to add the Belchertown Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (a snowmobile club) to a list of organizations identified in that statutory section. In short, it formally expands the statutory listing of parties associated with the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee (or the entities named in that statutory paragraph) to include this snowmobile club.

Key provisions

Amends Section 13 of chapter 92A½ (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition).

Specifically, the bill:

Strikes the word “and” in line 12 of the current text, and
Inserts after “the Friends of Quabbin, Inc.” the following language:
“and the Belchertown Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts snowmobile club.”

Effectively adds the Belchertown Snowmobile Association to the list of organizations referenced in that section.

Who would be affected

Primary: The Belchertown Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (receives statutory recognition in this section).

Secondary: The Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee (or whatever body or statutory list Section 13 governs), other listed organizations, and state agencies interacting with the committee (e.g., Department of Conservation and Recreation or watershed managers) — because the amendment changes the roster of recognized stakeholders or consultees.

Impact is administrative and representational: it affords the named snowmobile club explicit statutory inclusion, which may affect consultation, notice, and input opportunities regarding watershed policies or activities governed under chapter 92A½.

Procedural history and current status

Introduced in the Senate by Jacob R. Oliveira (filed 1/15/2025; formally introduced 2/20/2025).

Referred to relevant committees (Environment and Natural Resources; reported favorably and later to Senate Rules).

Multiple committee actions and scheduling entries (hearings, prints, recommitments).

Status line in the provided data: “SUBSTITUTED BY A7040B” (substitution occurred 2025-06-09). This indicates S.652 was replaced in substance or incorporated into companion legislation A7040B; final enactment depends on the substituted bill’s progress.

Notes and considerations

The bill text in the docket is narrowly focused — it does not change substantive watershed policy beyond adding the named organization to the statutory list.

Likely negligible fiscal impact; primary effect is formal recognition and potential participatory rights.

There are metadata inconsistencies in the provided materials (an initial title referencing alcohol licenses and multiple out-of-jurisdiction sponsor names). The authoritative text and sponsor for this bill per the filing appear to be Senator Jacob R. Oliveira and the Quabbin Watershed change shown above. Users should consult the substituted bill (A7040B) and the official Legislative Records for final language and status.

Bill