SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1961        FILED ON: 1/20/2023

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 524

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Jason M. Lewis, (BY REQUEST)

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to consider the safety of artificial grass and turf surfaces.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1961        FILED ON: 1/20/2023

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 524

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)

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An Act to consider the safety of artificial grass and turf surfaces.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION I. – The Massachusetts General Laws are hereby amended by inserting the

following new chapter:

The Artificial Grass – & – Turf Surfaces – Installation Moratorium Act

An Act to Consider the safety of artificial grass and turf surfaces.

SECTION II. – EMERGENCY PREAMBLE

Considering the apparent appearance of a Public Emergency, in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, caused by the installation of artificial grass, and various artificial surfaces, on outdoor surfaces, including athletic sports fields, and parks; which may have caused, and may be continuing to cause, serious environmental contamination by PFAS chemical materials; and/or the covering over of ground soil, and water contamination; it is declared that this legislation is that of an Emergency Nature. Upon its adoption, it shall be implemented immediately by the Governor, The Department of Public Health (DPH), and all other appropriate agencies, by appropriate immediate Declaration.

SECTION III. – PURPOSE – AND REQUIREMENTS

This legislation, shall require a Moratorium, of at least 36 months, from the date of its passage; preventing the installation of any artificial grass, and/or similar artificial turf materials, including in particular, on outdoor athletic fields, and parks. During this period of time, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) shall conduct a needed evaluation, drawing on expert opinion, including those from the PFAS Lab of Northeastern University.

If a Comprehensive Athletic Surface Performance Commission (CASPC) is established by legislation; or lacking legislation, a similar body, shall be established by the Secretary of EEA, such analysis, shall be publicly reported; prior to the lifting of such 36 month Moratorium; and not before the 36 month period, has elapsed.