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H 4731

Study Order

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Authorizes Massachusetts Agriculture & Fisheries Committee to study the safety of certain foods/additives (per House Doc. 113), report findings and draft laws by Dec 31, 2026.

Discharged to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · H 4731

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill H.4731 (Study Order)

Overview

  • Bill Number: H.4731
  • Title: Study Order
  • Purpose: Authorizes the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries to conduct an investigation and study regarding safety of certain foods and food additives, as referenced by House Document 113. The committee would report findings, recommendations, and drafts of legislation to implement recommendations.
  • Status: Discharged to the committee on House Rules
  • Introduced: November 17, 2025
  • Classification: Study order (procedural measure)

Purpose and Intent

The bill is a procedural tool to enable a formal investigation into the safety of specific foods and food additives. It stems from a petition by Rep. Nicholas A. Boldyga for a special commission to study these issues and their regulatory implications. The intended outcome is to produce findings and, if warranted, draft legislative changes to address identified safety concerns.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization to Sit During Recess: The Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries may convene and conduct its work during a recess of the General Court.
  • Subject of Study: Investigation and study of House Document 113, which concerns a special commission to study the safety of certain foods and food additives.
  • Reporting Requirements: The committee must report the results of its investigation and study, along with recommendations. If recommendations require legislative action, the committee should include drafts of legislation necessary to implement them.
  • Filing Deadline: All reports and drafts must be filed with the Clerk of the House on or before December 31, 2026.
  • Format of Report: The report should include findings, recommendations, and drafts of any proposed legislation to carry those recommendations into effect.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Introduction: November 17, 2025.
  • Legislative Actions:
    • Reported from the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries with accompanying House Document 113.
    • Order reported favorably by the committee and referred to the Joint Rules Committee.
    • Discharged to the Committee on House Rules (current status).
  • Deadline: The study and reporting obligation runs through December 31, 2026.

Affected Parties and Potential Impact

  • Affected Parties: Massachusetts residents (consumers), food producers and processors, retailers, and state regulatory agencies involved in food safety and additives (e.g., agricultural and health-related agencies).
  • Potential Impact: Depending on findings, the bill could lead to future legislative proposals to regulate or oversee certain foods and additives. As a study order, it itself does not enact policy but sets the stage for possible substantive bills based on the study’s outcomes.

Notes

  • The accompanying House Document 113 is central to the scope of the study.
  • Representative Boldyga dissented on the recommendation to adopt the order.

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

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