MA H981

Establishes an 11-member special commission to study statewide opportunities for improving pollinator health by increasing native pollinator habitat in areas including farm borders, parks, urban areas, energy corridors, and transportation corridors

Commission membership includes 1 House member, 1 Senate member, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (chair), commissioners of fisheries/wildlife and agricultural resources, plus 6 governor-appointed members representing UMass faculty, farmers, beekeepers, nurseries, and land protection groups

Covers habitat for wild and managed bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, ants, bats, and birds

Commission must examine existing pollinator protection laws, public education programs from other states, funding adequacy, population data collection methods, and best management practices for foraging and food source diversity

Report with findings and proposed legislation due to Ways and Means committees and Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture by March 1, 2026