MA H1026

Establishes a special commission to study noise impacts from migratory game bird hunting conducted from watercraft on residents living in coastal zones designated by the Department of Fish and Game

Commission will evaluate whether the current regulated distance that hunters in watercraft must maintain from land needs to be increased

Commission membership includes 4 legislative appointees, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (as chair), Commissioners of Fish and Game and Revenue, and a sports hunting industry representative, with appointments due by July 3, 2026

Public meetings required in Newburyport, Nahant, Marshfield, and Cape Cod to gather data and testimony

Final report with findings, recommendations, and draft legislation due to the Governor and legislative leadership by December 31, 2026