Hunting Ammunition Bills: Nonlead and Shotgun Ammunition Reform

What the Bills Would Do

• H1047 — "Requiring nonlead ammunition when taking wildlife." Would mandate the use of nonlead ammunition for all hunting in Massachusetts, following California's lead as the first state to impose a comprehensive nonlead requirement^[1]. Lead ammunition has been shown to contaminate wildlife, soil, and water. The bill would affect all hunters using firearms, not just waterfowl hunters who are already subject to federal nonlead shot requirements.
• H1075 — "Relative to the use of shotgun ammunition for hunting." Would amend rules governing permissible shotgun ammunition for hunting, potentially expanding the types of loads that can be used for specific game species^[3].

Current Status

Both bills had hearings scheduled for October 21, 2025, before the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources^[2][4]. Note that these bills are heard by the Environment committee rather than Public Safety — reflecting their wildlife management focus. No further committee action has been reported.

What to Watch

H1047 (nonlead ammunition) would have a significant cost impact on hunters, as nonlead alternatives are generally more expensive than traditional lead ammunition. The bill's proponents emphasize the environmental and public health benefits, particularly the reduction of lead exposure for scavenging birds (including bald eagles) that consume lead-contaminated carcasses. The key question is whether the bill would include a phase-in period or exemptions for certain calibers where nonlead alternatives are not widely available or affordable. H1075 is more technical and less politically charged.