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S 73

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 17 co-sponsors

Creates two new divisions within the Department of Fish and Game: Division of Fishing and Boating Access and Division of Ecological Restoration, expanding authority over public acc

RETURNED TO SENATE
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Bill Summary · S 73

Summary — S.73 (194th Gen. Ct., 2025–2026)

Title (filed): An Act relative to the Department of Fish and Game
Status: Returned to Senate (most recent actions June 2025)
Introduced: January 13, 2025 (presented by Sen. Bruce E. Tarr)

Note: The bill text provided amends the structure and authorities of the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game. The initial header in your packet (“Relates to rechargeable battery recycling”) and the federal-style sponsor list appear inconsistent with the bill text; this summary is based solely on the bill language as filed in the Massachusetts Senate (S.D. 1002 / Senate No. 73).

Purpose / Intent

To reorganize and expand departmental authorities within the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game by:
- establishing a Division of Fishing and Boating Access with engineering and public-access responsibilities, and
- creating a Division of Ecological Restoration to lead river, wetland and watershed restoration and climate adaptation activities,
and to make associated statutory changes (including minor enforcement and training-certification modifications).

Key provisions and changes

  • Amendments to chapter 21A, section 8:

    • Add the two new divisions (Division of Fishing and Boating Access; Division of Ecological Restoration) to the department’s enumerated organizational components.
    • Clarify that “public access” is to be provided “as recommended by the division of fishing and boating access.”

  • Replacement/amendment of section 11B (chapter 21A):

    • Establishes a Division of Fishing and Boating Access under a director appointed/removed by the commissioner.
    • Director (or designee) serves as chief engineer for the division and department.
    • Grants the division authority to site, design, construct, operate, repair and maintain public access facilities to waters (boat ramps, car-top access, piers, shorefishing areas, parking).
    • Authorizes facilities on lands where a public entity has an interest (with that entity’s consent) or department-owned land.
    • Allows land management agreements where other public entities assume operation/maintenance duties.
    • Permits provision of safety/rescue/patrol/maintenance equipment to public entities and promulgation of facility-use regulations; violations punishable by a fine up to $100, enforceable by any Commonwealth or municipal employee with police powers.
    • Enables the division to provide engineering/construction/technical services to other department divisions (Fisheries & Wildlife, Marine Fisheries, Ecological Restoration).

  • Addition of section 11BB (chapter 21A):

    • Establishes a Division of Ecological Restoration under a director appointed/removed by the commissioner.
    • Charge: work with public and non‑public entities (including tribal entities) to protect and restore rivers, wetlands, and watersheds and foster climate-change adaptation.
    • Authorities: provide technical assistance and training; manage restoration projects (dam removal, culvert upgrades, wetland/salt-marsh restoration); receive and award grants; contract and enter agreements to carry out restoration work.

  • Amendment to chapter 130, section 98:

    • Changes certification authority for a shellfish wardens training course from “the Massachusetts Maritime Academy” to “the division” (as written in bill). This shifts course-certification authority to the department/division level (text uses “the division” — the bill does not specify which division beyond the amendment).

Who is affected

  • Department of Fish and Game: new organizational structure, two new directors and divisions, expanded engineering and restoration responsibilities.
  • Municipal, regional, federal and tribal partners: potential new land management agreements, grant opportunities, technical assistance, and equipment support.
  • Recreational fishermen and boaters: potential increase/standardization of public access facilities and associated rules.
  • Shellfish wardens / training providers: change in certification authority for training courses.
  • Environmental/nonprofit restoration partners: new grant, contracting and project-management opportunities.

Administrative & procedural notes

  • Introduced Jan 13, 2025; referred to Senate committees; passed the Senate (Mar 5, 2025); delivered to the House; underwent amendments and committee referrals in June 2025; passed the House and was returned to the Senate (status: RETURNED TO SENATE). A hearing was scheduled July 9, 2025 (per docket entries).
  • The bill creates executive‑branch appointments (division directors) with removal by the department commissioner and grants regulatory and enforcement powers (fine up to $100) to staff or other employees with police powers.

If you want, I can prepare a short side‑by‑side comparison of current statute vs. proposed language for the most important sections (11B and new 11BB).

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

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