SECTION 1. (a) That a committee, to consist of: 2 members of the senate, 2 members of the house of representatives, the secretary of agriculture, or a designee who shall serve as chair and 8 persons to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a university faculty member specializing in the science of pollinator health; 1 of whom shall represent an advocacy group for nurseries and greenhouse producers; 1 of whom shall represent an advocacy group for farmers; 1 of whom shall represent an advocacy group dedicated to the protection of pollinators and invertebrates; 1 of whom shall represent an advocacy group dedicated to environmental protection; 1 of whom shall represent an advocacy group for retailers; 1 of whom is certified as a master gardener, representing the public; and 1 of whom shall be a beekeeper, representing the Massachusetts Beekeeper Association, is hereby established pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 for the purpose of making an investigation and study of methods and solutions to prevent bee colony collapse.
(b) The committee shall undertake activities to examine issues relevant to bee colony collapse, including but not limited to:
(i) studying proposed and enacted pesticide regulations from other states and countries that are more protective of pollinator health than the pesticide regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency;
(ii) studying public education and outreach plans regarding pollinator health that have been successful in other states;
(iii) evaluating the effectiveness of applicator licensing and other legal requirements, and of incentives, in matters affecting pollinator health;
(iv) identifying possible funding streams for efforts to promote or protect pollinator health;
(v) investigating the means used by other states to gather data on populations of bees or other pollinating insects; and
(vi) evaluating existing best management practices for applying neonicotinoids in a manner that avoids harming pollinating insects.
(c) The committee may take actions necessary and proper to carry out the work of the task force, including but not limited to scheduling hearings and taking testimony on matters related to pollinator health.
(d) The committee shall report to the general court the results of its investigation and study and its recommendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry its recommendations into effect, by filing the same with the clerk of the senate and the clerk of the house of representatives on or before June 30, 2016.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon the specific day of its approval by the governor of the Commonwealth.
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.