Currently, Massachusetts law requires all eggs sold in the state come from hens housed in a minimum of 1.5 square feet per hen by January 1, 2022. This law is different from all other current state laws, which require a minimum space of one square foot per hen if housed with slatted floors or in an aviary type system. The Massachusetts law was passed as a ballot initiative in November 2016 and also impacts veal and pork. To date, the state legislature has been unable to correct this inconsistency.

The most recent effort included an amendment to the state’s economic development bill. This amendment, along with nearly 100 other amendments, was stripped from the bill to create a narrow focus on economic development. Massachusetts’ legislature is staying in session longer, to continue work on several important issues. Industry stakeholders are lobbying for legislators to address this issue before going into recess.