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HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2926 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 898
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Michelle L. Badger
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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 end the taking of horseshoe crabs for bait.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :DATE ADDED:Michelle L. Badger1st Plymouth1/16/2025 1 of 2
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2926 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 898
By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 898) of
Michelle L. Badger relative to the use of horseshoe crabs for bait. Environment and Natural
Resources.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act to end the taking of horseshoe crabs for bait.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Chapter 130 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
2 Section 107. (a) As used in this section, the following term shall, unless the context
3clearly requires otherwise, have the following meaning:
4 “Horseshoe crab,” the species known as Limulus polyphemus.
5 (b) No person shall engage in the harvesting of horseshoe crabs or the eggs of horseshoe
6crabs from coastal waters to be used as bait.
7 (b) The director may authorize the taking of horseshoe crabs by permit for educational or
8scientific purposes; provided that, the director determines that such harvesting will not cause
9harm to the horseshoe crab population of coastal waters.
10 (c) The taking of horseshoe crabs incidentally during legal fishing operations shall not
11violate this section if the horseshoe crabs are returned immediately to coastal waters unharmed. 2 of 2
12 (d) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined $25 for each
13horseshoe crab taken from coastal waters. No penalty shall result in possessing a cast off or
14molted shell also known as an exoskeleton of a horseshoe crab.
15 (e) Pursuant to chapter 30A, the division shall promulgate rules and regulations to
16enforce the provisions of this section.