Establishes healthy soil performance guidelines for Massachusetts, including fines for violations.

The bill amends Chapter 128 of the General Laws to establish healthy soil performance guidelines. The Department of Agricultural Resources is tasked with creating regulations consistent with healthy soils practices, including guidelines for soil depth, quality, carbon storage, stormwater runoff, and nutrient input mitigation. The department may establish fines for violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Appeals for fines can be filed with the Division of Administrative Law Appeals and, if necessary, the superior court.

Establishes healthy soil performance guidelines for Massachusetts, including fines for violations.

The bill amends Chapter 128 of the General Laws to establish healthy soil performance guidelines. The Department of Agricultural Resources is tasked with creating regulations consistent with healthy soils practices, including guidelines for soil depth, quality, carbon storage, stormwater runoff, and nutrient input mitigation. The department may establish fines for violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Appeals for fines can be filed with the Division of Administrative Law Appeals and, if necessary, the superior court.