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The Massachusetts Chapter works to pass important
environmental bills and the state and local level. To get involved
in our legislative program, please contact us. See the
contacts page for more
information. The Sierra Club actively participates in this process by:
- Authoring Legislation
- Offering Written and Oral Testimony on Key Bills
- Lobbying Members of the Legislature
Volunteer to Help The Legislative Action Committee
We need volunteers who are passionate about key environmental
challenges in Massachusetts to “adopt” one or more bills so we can
help it pass successfully. You don’t need to be an expert, just
someone who cares about issues such as keeping our air and water
clean; safeguarding our families from toxic chemicals; preserving open
space; reducing waste; protecting wildlife; and more.
Typically, volunteers start by selecting one (or more) of the
Sierra-supported bills that they care about. Before we offer
testimony, we prepare written testimony, typically 2-3 pages and
footnoted. If you enjoy research and can help is, this is our greatest
need! If you wish, you can also deliver your testimony live at the
committee hearing.
To learn how you can get involved, please e-mail
legislate@sierraclubmass.org
How Our Legislative Process Works
Our state legislature runs in 2-year cycles. All bills, except
"emergency bills" that are to be considered during each session MUST
be filed in the first two weeks of the 2-year session. Within
approximately one month, the bills are assigned to one of the
legislature's committees, e.g. Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment. A hearing is scheduled where the public is free to
speak on the bills' merits. Hearing can be held very quickly at the
beginning of the session or up to 18 months into the session. After
the hearing, the committee will meet to vote on whether they recommend
the bill for passage - or give a negative report - or say nothing - or
"send to study". In most cases, "send to study" is the equivalent of
doing nothing. If a bill receives a positive recommendation, it's
typically sent to the Ways and Means Committee where it receives
further review. A bill can also be sent to other committees. Finally,
if all committees agree, a bill can go to each body: the house and the
senate. If they both agree, and their versions are identical, the bill
is then sent to the Governor for final approval.
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