Transportation in Massachusetts

signed · Massachusetts · House Aug 6, 2026

H 5614: An Act authorizing the release or exclusion of certain land from conservation restrictions in the town of Deerfield

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.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 3168: An Act to enhance the safe use of micromobility devices

Senate, July 6, 2026 -- The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2347) of Nick Collins for legislation to establish a task force to improve enforcement of existing laws governing motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds and implement fines for certain offenses; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2373) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Steven Owens and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to class 3 electric bicycles; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 2432) of Patrick M. O'Connor that provisions be made to establish a special commission (including members of the General Court) to evaluate and study pedestrians safety through moped law enforcement, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3168).

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety

signed · Massachusetts · House Aug 6, 2026

H 5561: An Act authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to transfer certain parcels of land in the town of Norton

This bill authorizes the transfer of two adjacent land parcels in the town of Norton between state agencies to resolve a title issue involving federal highway interests. Under the legislation, the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance will transfer approximately 6.9 acres currently used for wildlife management to the Department of Transportation, while the Department of Transportation will simultaneously transfer about 7.5 acres to the Department of Fish and Game for conservation purposes. The Department of Transportation is required to fund all costs associated with the land exchanges and must ensure that future development of the transferred property includes a roadway or paved access to provide public access to the conservation land.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 13, 2026

SD 4041: An Act relative to transit planning and anti-displacement protections

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to transit planning and anti-displacement protections. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Zoning Public Transit

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 22, 2026

S 3182: An Act authorizing the city of Taunton to utilize certain areas of conservation land for road improvements

By Mrs. Dooner and Mr. Orrall of Lakeville, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3182) of Kelly A. Dooner and Norman J. Orrall (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to authorize the city of Taunton to utilize certain areas of conservation land for road improvements. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✗ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Conservation Roads & Highways Tags Local Government

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 29, 2026

S 3169: An Act 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

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3169) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to authorize 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. Transportation.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Massachusetts · House Aug 6, 2026

H 5568: An Act providing for the terms of certain bonds for transportation purposes to be issued by the Commonwealth

This bill establishes the maximum repayment period for state transportation bonds issued in 2026. It requires that these financial instruments be paid back within 30 years, with all payments due by June 30, 2066. The change directly impacts the state treasurer, who is responsible for issuing these bonds, and sets a specific deadline for when the debt must be settled. This legislation overrides previous laws to create a uniform 30-year term for these specific transportation funding tools.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Transportation Funding

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6260: An Act relative to the department of public works in the town of Barre

This bill reorganizes the Town of Barre's government by abolishing the existing Public Works Commission and replacing it with a new Department of Public Works. The new department will consolidate the functions of the previous highway, water, sewer, and parks departments into a single entity. A superintendent will be appointed to lead the department and manage its operations, reporting to the town administrator, while all existing contracts and assets automatically transfer to the new structure.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 23, 2026

HD 5837: A communication from the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (see Section 2EEEEEE(e) of Chapter 29 of the General Laws) submitting a report on the activities of and expenditures from the Commonwealth Federal Match and Debt Reduction Fund as of June, 2026

This document is a formal report submitted by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance to state legislative committees detailing the status of the Commonwealth Federal Match and Debt Reduction Fund as of June 2026. The report outlines how the fund, established to help Massachusetts compete for federal dollars and reduce debt, has been used to support economic development, transportation, climate initiatives, and municipal projects like road safety and school energy efficiency. It provides a breakdown of financial commitments and expenditures, showing that over $350 million in federal shares have been leveraged with approximately $350 million in state commitments, while also listing specific grants awarded to various agencies and municipalities.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 10, 2026

HD 6174: A communication from the Department of Transportation (see item 1596-2406 of Section 2 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024) submitting the MassDOT Rail and Transit Division Regional Transit Authority Connectivity Grant Program annual report for fiscal year 2025

This bill serves as a procedural document to file an annual report from the Department of Transportation regarding its regional transit grant program for fiscal year 2025. The report details the progress of the LINK service, a new commuter rail line connecting several existing transit authority areas that is scheduled to begin operations in early 2026. By placing this information on file, the legislation ensures official record-keeping of the state's transit funding and development updates without introducing new laws or policy changes.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

All transportation bills