Transportation in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1848: An Act relative to the safety of autonomous vehicles

This bill (HD 1848) requires autonomous vehicles registered in Massachusetts to meet federal motor vehicle standards. It mandates that a human safety operator must be physically present in the vehicle during any operation involving transporting passengers or goods across state lines (interstate commerce), and the operator must be able to monitor the vehicle and intervene immediately if needed. The operator must also hold all required state and federal qualifications for driving. This directly affects companies operating autonomous vehicles for passenger or freight services within Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Freight

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1056: An Act relative to the Move Over Law

This bill amends Massachusetts' Move Over Law to require drivers to move over for utility vehicles and disabled vehicles, in addition to emergency vehicles. It defines "utility vehicle" as one used by utility companies for emergency repairs (like power or gas lines) and "disabled vehicle" as any stationary non-emergency vehicle on the shoulder. Drivers must change lanes or slow down when approaching these vehicles on roadways. The change directly affects all drivers traveling on Massachusetts roads, expanding the existing law's scope to cover utility workers and stranded vehicles. The bill makes no changes to the law's enforcement or penalties, only broadening the types of vehicles drivers must yield for.

Topics ✓ Transportation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2173: An Act establishing the human service transportation (HST) consumer advisory board

HD 2173 establishes the Human Service Transportation (HST) Consumer Advisory Board within the executive office of health and human services. The board, composed of 13 members including 11 consumer representatives appointed by the governor, directly serves people with disabilities who rely on non-emergency medical transportation across Massachusetts. Key provisions require the board to hold six public meetings annually, conduct two consumer listening sessions per year, and issue an annual report with recommendations to improve HST services. These recommendations will guide the Human Services Transportation Office in enhancing the safety, reliability, and quality of non-emergency transportation for vulnerable populations in both rural and urban communities. The board’s work focuses on gathering consumer feedback to address service challenges and inform policy improvements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1060: An Act relative to training tomorrow’s trucking industry workforce

SD 1060 establishes a state grant program to address workforce shortages in Massachusetts' commercial trucking industry by funding training and education initiatives. The program directly affects truck drivers, mechanics, technicians, and support staff, with a focus on creating opportunities for low-income individuals, women, minorities, and veterans. Key provisions require eligible applicants - like schools, employers, and workforce boards - to submit detailed proposals outlining training goals, evidence-based methods, and expected employment outcomes. The Department of Higher Education will oversee annual reviews and reports on participant numbers and job placements, while also mandating that motor vehicle permit applicants receive career information about trucking jobs.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2069: An Act to end debt-based driving restrictions and remove economic roadblocks

HD 2069 prevents drivers from being prosecuted for operating a vehicle with a suspended license solely due to unpaid administrative fees or fines. It explicitly states that failure to pay these fees cannot be used as grounds for criminal charges. The bill also allows drivers to request a reduction or waiver of unpaid fees or fines based on financial hardship when renewing or reinstating their license. Additionally, it requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to send electronic notifications about unpaid assessments to help drivers avoid further penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1820: An Act establishing a local option gas tax

This bill (HD 1820) allows Massachusetts cities and towns to impose a local 3-cent-per-gallon excise tax on fuel and special fuels sold to retail dealers within their borders. Retail fuel suppliers must collect this tax monthly and remit it to the state, which then distributes the funds quarterly back to the adopting municipality. The revenue must be spent equally on three specific transportation purposes: road/bridge maintenance (1/3), public transit (1/3), and alternative transportation projects like bike lanes or carpool programs (1/3). It does not change existing state fuel taxes and applies only to communities that choose to adopt the new local option.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bridges Public Transit Transportation Funding

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2188: An Act allowing cities and towns the authority to issue temporary parking identification placards to the temporarily disabled

This bill (HD 2188) allows cities and towns to issue temporary parking placards to residents with short-term mobility limitations, such as recovery from surgery or temporary limb loss. It directly affects individuals who need short-term access to designated parking spots but do not qualify for permanent disabled parking permits. The placards, issued by a city's police department with medical documentation, are valid for up to 90 days and renewable once for another 90 days. The bill specifies that placards must follow a uniform design approved by the motor vehicle registrar and display requirements consistent with existing disabled parking rules.

Topics ✓ Transportation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2371: An Act relative to third party delivery data reporting

This bill requires third-party delivery companies (like food or retail apps) to report detailed delivery data monthly to the state division. It mandates specific information including vehicle type, precise GPS coordinates for pickup/delivery points, timing details, costs, and unique driver identification numbers displayed on vehicles. The data will be used for congestion management, transportation planning, and emissions tracking, with annual public summaries showing delivery patterns between cities. Companies must submit reports in an approved format, and the state may share de-identified trip-level data with transportation agencies under strict confidentiality rules.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Tags Data Reporting

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1288: An Act to reduce congestion and encourage shared rides

This bill modifies Massachusetts laws governing ride-hailing companies (like Uber and Lyft). It requires these companies to report monthly ride data by location and charge a 6.25% fee on most pre-arranged rides, except those booked through public transit or paratransit programs. Municipalities can now impose a $2.25 congestion fee per ride (funds directed to public transit, bike/pedestrian projects, and EV infrastructure), while prohibiting local governments from adding extra licensing or operational rules for these companies. The bill also mandates clear fare estimates showing price differences between shared and single-occupancy rides.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2599: An Act amending the child passenger restraint exemption to include vehicles used in the ride-share industry

This bill amends a state law to expand an existing child passenger restraint exemption. It adds ride-share vehicles (like Uber or Lyft) to the list of vehicles covered under the exemption, which previously only applied to traditional taxis ("cabs"). The change means parents or guardians using ride-share services with children under a certain age are now explicitly exempt from standard car seat requirements, as long as the vehicle is registered with a ride-share company. This directly affects families using ride-share transportation with young children.

Topics ✗ Transportation

All transportation bills