Sponsor
Rep. Steven Ouellette (D)
Summary
Amends GL Chapter 30A (State Administrative Procedure) to require all state and regional agencies, boards and commissions to post in writing whether or not any new regulatory requirement will potentially have an adverse impact on commercial agricultural operations based in the Commonwealth; if so, an impact assessment must be conducted to determine the scope of the impact. Requires the same for city and town agencies, boards, and commissions before enacting any rule or regulation.
Prohibits any regulatory action, except those of an emergency nature from taking effect until these provisions have been complied with; provides that, if the assessment indicates that the proposed rule or regulation would cost at least of $500 per year and/or 20 hours per year in labor, a copy of these findings shall be submitted to the Board of Agriculture for comments and suggestions to mitigate such cost or negative impact and their findings are to be returned to the legislature no more than 15 days prior to promulgation.