HD 3432 prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of devices used to steal cars through digital means, specifically targeting "motor vehicle key programming or emulating devices" and "relay attack devices" designed to intercept key fob signals. The bill directly affects individuals who create, distribute, or use these tools for vehicle theft or property theft from vehicles. Key provisions define these devices and ban their use with intent to steal, including aiding others in such activities. Violations carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison or fines plus up to 2.5 years in jail.
This bill creates a monthly payment plan for drivers with $250 or more in unpaid tolls, fines, or fees through Massachusetts' EZ-Pass or Pay By Plate systems. It requires the Department of Transportation to contact account holders owing over $100 monthly and establishes a minimum $25 monthly payment option. Crucially, drivers on this plan cannot face additional fees for late payments, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles must not suspend licenses or registrations for unpaid tolls while payments are current. The plan applies only to debts exceeding $250, with conditional license reinstatement allowed after the first payment.
SD 542 creates a Medical Advisory Board within the driver's license registry to strengthen reviews for medically conditioned licenses. The board, made of 15 medical professionals appointed by the registrar, provides advisory opinions on fitness to drive, especially for applicants with conditions requiring ongoing medical management or those whose licenses were suspended due to medical reasons. It mandates a stricter review process examining driving and criminal records for these applicants, allowing the registrar to deny or conditionally approve licenses based on the board's recommendation. Conditional licenses require applicants to demonstrate ongoing management of their medical condition, and the board also grants medical exemptions for vision-related window treatments.
This bill allows lessees (people leasing vehicles for at least one year) and buyers to cancel a vehicle purchase or lease if the vehicle fails a required safety/emissions inspection within seven days due to defects not caused by the buyer/lessee, and repair costs exceed 10% of the purchase price or total lease payments. To cancel, the buyer/lessee must notify the dealer within 14 days, provide inspection documentation, and may receive a full refund unless the dealer agrees to cover repairs. The law updates definitions to explicitly include "leased" vehicles in existing consumer protection provisions for used motor vehicles. It applies only to personal/family vehicle use, excluding business vehicles, off-road vehicles, and motorcycles.
This bill prohibits most video screens and displays in motor vehicles while driving in Massachusetts. It bans television receivers, video monitors, or entertainment-focused screens visible to the driver forward of the back seat, and adds a restriction against using mobile devices for social media or camera functions while operating a vehicle. Exceptions include navigation systems, rear-view safety monitors, government vehicle use, and factory-installed systems with interlock features that disable screens during driving tasks like steering or lane changes. The law directly affects all drivers of registered vehicles in Massachusetts, with specific exemptions for safety, navigation, and certain official vehicle uses.
This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand when law enforcement may require blood alcohol testing. It removes the requirement that a driver must be "arrested" for a violation before testing can occur. Instead, testing can now be administered to drivers involved in any motor vehicle accident causing personal injury or death, regardless of whether an arrest was made. The changes specifically update legal language throughout the statute to include these accident scenarios alongside existing DUI provisions. This directly affects drivers involved in serious collisions where injury or death occurs.
This bill gives car lessees (people leasing vehicles for personal or family use) the right to cancel their lease if the vehicle fails a required safety/emissions inspection within seven days of signing. To cancel, the lessee must show repair costs exceed 10% of the total lease payments and notify the dealer within 14 days, providing inspection reports. It updates existing consumer protection laws to apply equally to leased vehicles, not just purchased ones, by adding "leased" to key definitions and requiring dealers to honor this right. The law specifically excludes business vehicles and private sales, focusing on protecting individual consumers in long-term leases.
This bill allows the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to transfer a specific parcel of land in Hyde Park (at 1717-1725 Hyde Park Avenue near Readville Station) to The 54th Regiment Board. The transfer occurs via release deed or easement, with the Board required to pay the land's fair market value based on an independent appraisal. The transfer is intended to allow the Board to continue using and maintaining the land and improvements on the site. The Department of Transportation will not provide warranties or representations regarding the land.
This bill (HD 1850) amends Massachusetts law to increase financial caps and extend notice periods for pedestrian injury claims. It raises the maximum damages for sidewalk injuries on state highways and boulevards from $4,000 to $100,000 (in Chapter 81), increases another cap from $5,000 to $100,000 (Chapter 84), and extends the deadline for filing injury claims from 30 days to two years. These changes directly affect pedestrians injured on sidewalks or boulevards who seek compensation through legal claims. The bill modifies procedural rules for filing claims but does not introduce new physical safety measures like improved crosswalks or traffic signals.
This bill (SD 1167) gives Massachusetts municipalities greater authority over utility poles, wires, and attachments in public rights of way. It requires utility companies to share pole data via systems like NJUNS, mandates new poles comply with accessibility standards, and sets a 90-day deadline for removing outdated infrastructure. Municipalities can charge fees for delayed removals, impose fines on non-compliant utilities, suspend permits for non-compliance, and adopt local fees/taxes for utility operations. Additionally, it allows municipalities to purchase utility poles from investor-owned utilities at depreciated value. The bill directly affects utility companies operating in public spaces, aiming to streamline infrastructure maintenance and reduce project delays.
