This bill amends the Michigan Motor Fuel Tax Act to establish a temporary gas tax holiday that activates if the statewide average price of gasoline reaches $5.00 per gallon before the end of 2026. Under this provision, the tax rate would drop to zero cents per gallon for a three-month period, with the lost revenue automatically transferred from a state stabilization fund to the Michigan Transportation Fund. The legislation also updates the general tax rate structure to include annual adjustments based on inflation or a fixed 5% increase, whichever is lower, while maintaining specific rates for fuel held in storage as of the end of 2025. Additionally, the bill clarifies reporting requirements for fuel suppliers and terminals to ensure accurate tracking of blended products and tax liabilities.
This bill updates Massachusetts law to officially refer to the state's transportation agency as the "Massachusetts Department of Transportation" rather than the "executive office of transportation and public works." It also adds a new definition for "utility vehicles," which are emergency vehicles used by utility companies to repair communications, electricity, or gas services. The legislation increases fines for distracted driving, introduces mandatory behavior programs for repeat offenders, and exempts first and second offenses from insurance surcharges. Additionally, it requires the state to launch an annual public awareness campaign focusing on distracted driving and bicycle safety.
Senate, July 22, 2026 -- The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions Senate, May 4, 2026 - Message from Her Excellency the Governor recommending legislation to enhance the safe use of micromobility devices, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3194).
This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire specific land parcels in Woburn and Burlington from the City of Boston to build a highway intersection improvement project. The acquisition includes temporary construction areas and permanent easements totaling over 13,000 square feet, which the state will pay for entirely. The legislation also confirms that land previously set aside by the town of Burlington as mitigation for this project will remain protected for future improvements.
This bill amends Massachusetts gas regulations to restrict new gas facilities and expansions within five miles of environmental justice neighborhoods unless they are strictly necessary for public safety. It also mandates that gas companies submit biennial just transition plans to the Department of Public Utilities, detailing strategies for workforce retention, training, and managing the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050. These provisions require companies to outline specific measures for hiring, cross-training, and mitigating the impact of potential job losses as they phase out natural gas infrastructure. The legislation applies to all gas distribution and transmission companies operating in the state, ensuring they address both community environmental concerns and the needs of their employees during the energy transition.
By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to authorize the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire interests in certain portions of land owned by the town of Andover which were acquired by the town for Article XCVII purposes. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Senate, July 29, 2026 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Friedman) for the Senate Bill authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to take easements over certain land located in the city of Woburn and the town of Burlington held in trust by the city of Boston for the Mary P. C. Cummings Testamentary Trust (Senate, No. 3169).
This bill reorganizes the Town of Barre's public services by abolishing the existing public works commission and creating a new Department of Public Works. The new department will combine the functions of the current highway, water, sewer, and parks departments into a single entity. It establishes a superintendent appointed by the town's select board to oversee the department, with the town administrator managing the superintendent's employment contract and daily supervision. All existing contracts, records, and equipment from the old departments will automatically transfer to the new department without disrupting current operations.
By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3230) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to authorize the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire interests in certain portions of land owned by the town of Andover which were acquired by the town for Article XCVII purposes. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
This bill authorizes the release of a specific 15,977-square-foot parcel of land in Deerfield from conservation restrictions to allow the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to build a bridge over the Deerfield River. The land, currently owned by Great River Hydro, LLC, is being exempted so the town can acquire it for the highway project. In exchange for this release, the town of Deerfield must donate a separate 5.5-acre vacant parcel to the state for conservation and recreation purposes. Additionally, the town is required to provide public access to the donated land and pay the state an amount equal to 110 percent of any difference in value between the land being released and the land being donated. An independent professional appraisal will determine the values involved, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is responsible for covering all associated costs.
