Provides a rebuttable presumption relating to recertification as a minority and women-owned business enterprise

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy Cooney and 6 co-sponsors

Allows bow-hunting from an elevated tree stand provided it is at least 250 feet from any dwelling in use, unless the owner/occupant authorizes closer.

RETURNED TO SENATE

Purpose

This bill amends Massachusetts hunting law to explicitly allow hunting with a bow and arrow from an elevated tree stand at a specified distance from occupied dwellings, unless the dwelling’s owner or occupant authorizes otherwise. Its intent is to permit a commonly used bow‑hunting practice while setting a minimum separation from homes.

Key provision (exact language inserted)

Section 58 of chapter 131 of the General Laws is amended by inserting after the word “thereof” the following:
", provided that a person may hunt with a bow and arrow from an elevated tree stand not less than 250 feet from any dwelling in use except as authorized by the owner or occupant thereof".

In plain terms:
- Permits hunting with a bow and arrow from an elevated tree stand.
- Requires a minimum distance of 250 feet from any dwelling “in use.”
- Creates an exception when the owner or occupant of the dwelling expressly authorizes hunting closer than 250 feet.

Who would be affected

Hunters: Bow hunters using elevated tree stands would be explicitly allowed to hunt when at least 250 feet from occupied dwellings (subject to other hunting rules).

Landowners and residents: Homeowners/occupants within hunting areas gain a clear statutory right to withhold authorization for closer hunting; they may also be affected by increased hunting activity on nearby land.

Law enforcement and wildlife agencies: Responsible for interpreting and enforcing the 250‑foot requirement and any disputes about authorization and whether a dwelling is “in use.”

Municipalities and conservation/land managers: May need to adjust local guidance, signage, or outreach to notify residents and hunters about permissible practices.

Legislative status & timeline (selected actions)

Introduced in Senate: 02/13/2025 (presented by Sen. Ryan C. Fattman)

Referred to Committee on Energy and Natural Resources / Environment and Natural Resources; hearing(s) held (03/12/2025)

Advanced to third reading; passed Senate: 05/13/2025

Delivered to Assembly and referred to Governmental Operations; passed Assembly (substituted for A2296): 05/29/2025

Returned to Senate: 05/29/2025

Status shown: RETURNED TO SENATE. Additional hearings and study orders noted in late 2025.

Notes / potential impacts to consider

The bill is narrow in scope and does not change other prohibitions or licensing requirements in chapter 131.

Practical enforcement issues may arise (measuring the 250‑foot buffer, determining whether a dwelling is “in use,” and verifying owner authorization).

Public safety and neighbor relations are likely to be primary policy concerns discussed in hearings.

Bill