MA H5219

Establishes a drought management task force within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, co-chaired by the secretary and the director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Task force membership includes commissioners from 8 state agencies (agricultural resources, conservation and recreation, environmental protection, fish and game, public health, public utilities, state fire marshal) plus representatives from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and water-related advocacy organizations

Requires the task force to meet at least monthly during drought conditions to collect technical information, coordinate communication among agencies and the public, and recommend drought levels and responses to the secretary and governor

Mandates a statewide drought management plan that must be reviewed every 5 years and updated every 10 years, with Water Resources Commission approval following public comment

Authorizes the secretary to declare droughts and order water conservation measures including limits on nonessential outdoor water use, with cities and towns required to enforce these restrictions and designate a point of contact for drought communications