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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1337 FILED ON: 1/19/2023
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1855
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Edward J. Kennedy
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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 promote urban agriculture and horticulture.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Edward J. KennedyFirst MiddlesexJames B. EldridgeMiddlesex and Worcester2/22/2023 1 of 2
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1337 FILED ON: 1/19/2023
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1855
By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1855) of Edward J. Kennedy and
James B. Eldridge for legislation to promote urban agriculture and horticulture. Revenue.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 1893 OF 2021-2022.]
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 promote urban agriculture and horticulture.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is
2hereby amended by adding the following clause: -
3 Fifty-ninth. Up to 100 percent of the assessed value of real estate in agricultural,
4horticultural or agricultural and horticultural use, as those terms are defined in sections 1 and 2
5of chapter 61A, provided that the real estate or portion thereof in agricultural, horticultural or
6agricultural and horticultural use is less than 2 acres in area; provided further, that gross sales of
7agricultural, horticultural or agricultural and horticultural products resulting from such uses
8together total not less than $500 in the previous year. The exemption provided in this clause shall
9apply only to the portion of real estate in agricultural, horticultural or agricultural and
10horticultural use. This clause shall take effect in any city or town upon acceptance of this section; 2 of 2
11provided, that such city or town has a population of at least 50,000 inhabitants or meets the
12definition of a gateway municipality under section 3A of chapter 23A. The legislative body of
13any city or town that accepts this clause shall establish and may thereafter modify the percentage
14of the assessed value exempt from taxation and may determine whether rooftop and container
15farm operations shall be eligible for said exemption.