Massachusetts § 56 - License and lease requirements; violations; penalties; enforcement
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 56 — License and lease requirements; violations; penalties; enforcement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56. License and lease requirements; violations; penalties; enforcement
Section 56. No person shall explore by seismic, electronic or any other method for mineral resources on or in said coastal waters or lands thereunder without a license from said director. No person shall, except for purposes of exploration permitted under a license, extract mineral resources from said coastal waters or lands thereunder without a lease issued by said director. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars and, in addition thereto, any equipment, vehicles, boats and appurtenances used in said violation shall be liable to seizure and forfeiture. Any person violating any rule or regulation of the director shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, and his license or lease, if any, shall be subject to revocation or suspension. Violations committed within the coastal waters may be prosecuted in any district which has venue over coastal waters. The division of law enforcement shall enforce the laws, rules and regulations relating to mineral resources.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 56
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 56 cover?
Section 56 ("License and lease requirements; violations; penalties; enforcement") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 56?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 56" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 56 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.