MA S68

Establishes a Lobstering Closure Mitigation Fund administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance to provide financial assistance to Massachusetts lobstermen affected by fishing area closures due to endangered marine species protections

Eligible lobstermen receive weekly payments of $1 per lobster trap tag during the closure period from January 1 through June 30 annually

Recipients must demonstrate progress toward business incorporation to remain eligible for payments after their first year; the Secretary of State will evaluate progress and host annual information sessions on the incorporation process

Fund may receive appropriations, transfers, gifts, grants, and contributions; unused funds at fiscal year end revert to the General Fund

Fund automatically dissolves 3 fiscal years after the act takes effect