Transportation

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2400: An Act relative to equity in tolling

This bill (SD 1726) amends state law to expand the Massachusetts tolling authority by explicitly authorizing the collection of tolls on specific interstate and state highways at the Massachusetts border. It adds 12 designated routes - including I-90, I-95, Route 3, Route 7, and others - where tolls may be charged for transit across state lines. The bill directly affects drivers using these border crossings, as it formalizes the state's existing ability to collect tolls on those routes. It does not change toll rates or create new fees, but rather clarifies the legal authority for current toll collection practices.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill addresses tolling equity within transportation infrastructure, directly promoting fairer toll systems as part of transportation policy.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2376: An Act improving the Massachusetts Department of Transportation project efficiency

SD 2509 establishes a special commission to study and recommend ways to improve the efficiency of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) project timelines. The commission, composed of transportation officials, state auditors, lawmakers, municipal representatives, and industry experts, will examine MassDOT's planning, permitting, procurement, and construction processes to identify delays and inefficiencies. It will compare Massachusetts' project timelines with other states, assess regulatory barriers, and explore public-private partnerships, with findings due to the Governor and legislature within one year. This bill does not make direct policy changes but creates a process for future recommendations to streamline MassDOT projects.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates commission to study and recommend improvements for MassDOT project efficiency, directly advancing transportation infrastructure timelines.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 4219: An Act establishing a transportation contribution from large employers

This bill would require large Massachusetts employers with 50+ employees to pay a new tax based on their workforce size. Employers with 50-99 workers would pay about $25 per employee annually, while those with 1,000+ employees would pay about $150 per employee. The total tax revenue would be capped at $230 million in 2026 (adjusted for inflation yearly), with funds distributed across employer size tiers. It directly affects large employers operating in Massachusetts with significant in-state workforces.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates a new excise tax on large employers to generate revenue for transportation funding, directly advancing state budget revenue collection under taxation policy.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes an excise tax on large employers to generate revenue specifically for transportation infrastructure funding, directly advancing transportation funding goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 16, 2026

S 2079: An Act establishing a commuter tax credit

S 2079, introduced by Senator Bruce Tarr, would establish a commuter tax credit to reduce state income tax for eligible residents. The credit would directly lower the tax amount owed for qualifying commuting expenses, such as public transportation fares or vehicle-related costs for work commutes. This revenue-related bill aims to provide tax relief to commuters who meet specific eligibility criteria. The bill does not specify the credit amount or detailed eligibility rules in its abstract.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credit reducing state income tax for commuters, aligning with tax relief for middle-income residents and fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill provides tax credit for public transit fares, directly incentivizing sustainable commuting and aligning with transportation infrastructure goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 3053: An Act providing for a local option transportation excise tax on large employers

HD 981 creates a local option tax on large employers in Massachusetts with 50+ employees who commute to work within the state. Employers pay tiered annual taxes ($10-$100 per employee, based on employee count) but can deduct existing public transit subsidies they provide. Revenue collected must be distributed to the city or town where the employer operates, specifically for public transportation purposes. The tax applies only to cities/towns that adopt the law and requires regulations within 180 days of enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new excise tax on large employers to generate transportation revenue, directly funding public infrastructure through tax-based budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates a local transportation excise tax on large employers to generate revenue specifically for transportation infrastructure funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2026

H 3610: An Act establishing a special commission on public waterway transportation

This bill establishes a 9-member commission to study expanding public waterway transportation in the greater Boston area. The commission includes one department representative and eight governor-appointed members, with specific residency requirements for representatives from Boston, Quincy, Weymouth, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, Hingham, and Hull. The commission must hold public hearings and submit annual reports by June 30 to the governor and the Joint Committee on Transportation, including feasibility findings and draft legislation for any recommended changes. The bill itself creates the commission structure and reporting process but does not enact policy changes.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates commission to study public waterway transportation infrastructure, directly advancing transportation topic through dedicated policy focus.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 3708: An Act to regulate traffic signal pre-emption devices

This bill regulates traffic signal pre-emption devices, which override traffic lights for vehicles like emergency responders. It prohibits unauthorized possession or use of these devices, allowing only those specifically authorized (such as emergency personnel) to mount or operate them. The law directly affects individuals or entities seeking to use such technology, restricting it to officially permitted users. The key provision bans unauthorized possession and requires authorization for mounting or operating these devices.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRegulates traffic signal pre-emption devices to enhance traffic safety and infrastructure efficiency within transportation systems.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 1, 2026

S 2639: An Act authorizing automated curb enforcement and improving parking violation procedures

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2639) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to authorize automated curb enforcement and improving parking violation procedures. Transportation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes automated curb enforcement to improve parking procedures, enhancing transportation efficiency and safety within urban infrastructure management.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 9, 2026

H 3669: 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 ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill regulates autonomous vehicle safety standards under Transportation, enhancing transportation safety per summary. Explicitly addresses vehicle safety regulations in topic area.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2629: An Act adjusting the MBTA assessment

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2629) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to adjust the MBTA assessment. Transportation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill adjusts MBTA assessment, directly funding public transit operations (MBTA is Boston's public transportation authority). Explicitly categorized under Transportation in summary.95% confidence

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