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Bill

S 57

Makes permanent the provisions of chapter 396 of the laws of 2012, amending the education law, relating to services to out-of-state school districts by boards of cooperative educational services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 1 co-sponsor

Designates the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab as the Commonwealth's official marine invertebrate, a symbolic recognition with no effect on harvest rules or management.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
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Bill Summary · S 57

Summary — S 57 (2025): Establishes the official marine invertebrate of the Commonwealth

Purpose

This bill designates the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) as the official marine invertebrate of the Commonwealth. It is a symbolic recognition intended to acknowledge the species’ ecological, cultural, and educational significance.

Key provisions

  • Amends Chapter 2 of the General Laws by inserting a new Section 65 immediately after Section 64.
  • Section 65 text: “The Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) shall be the official marine invertebrate of the Commonwealth.”

No other changes to law, regulatory authority, funding, or management of the species are proposed.

Who would be affected

  • Primarily symbolic: state government, educators, museums, conservation organizations, and the public would use the designation in educational, outreach, and ceremonial contexts.
  • The designation does not, by itself, change regulatory responsibilities or management of horseshoe crabs (harvest rules, conservation, fisheries management) administered by relevant agencies.

Likely impact

  • Fiscal: Minimal to none. Any costs would be limited and discretionary (e.g., updating promotional materials, educational curricula, signage).
  • Policy: No direct regulatory or legal effect on harvesting, conservation, or permitting. Any substantive management changes would require separate statutory or regulatory action.
  • Cultural/educational: May increase public awareness, support for conservation/education programs, and use of the species as a state symbol in outreach.

Legislative history and status (selected)

  • Introduced: Jan 8–9, 2025 (filed by Senator Julian Cyr).
  • Referred: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (hearing scheduled 05/13/2025).
  • Advanced to third reading: April 10, 2025.
  • Reported favorably and referred to Senate Rules: Oct 2, 2025.
  • Current status (as of latest entry): Committed to Rules (June 13, 2025).

Note on source materials

The provided metadata contains inconsistent entries (different titles, committees, and sponsor lists). This summary is based on the bill text as filed, which names the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab as the Commonwealth’s official marine invertebrate.

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

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