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H 3383

An Act designating the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David Linsky

Designates Roadrunner as the official rock song of Massachusetts for ceremonial use, credited to Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers, with no funding or mandates.

Accompanied a study order, see H5166
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Bill Summary · H 3383

Summary of H 3383: An Act designating the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of the Commonwealth

Overview

H 3383 is a Massachusetts House bill introduced on February 27, 2025, proposed to designate the rock song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of the Commonwealth. The bill adds a new provision to the General Laws to formally recognize the song, performed by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers, as a ceremonial emblem of Massachusetts.

What the bill would do

  • Designate the song “Roadrunner” (words and music by Jonathan Richman; recorded by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers) as the official rock song of the Commonwealth.
  • Accomplish this by adding a new section to Chapter 2 of the General Laws (Section 61).

Key provisions

  • Section 61 (new): Declares “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of the Commonwealth.
  • The bill specifies the credited creator as Jonathan Richman (words and music) and the recording by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers.
  • The designation is ceremonial and symbolic, with no explicit funding or performance obligations attached within the text provided.

Affected parties and scope

  • The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its residents, institutions, and state-level events may reference or celebrate the song as part of official symbolism.
  • There are no specified regulatory or financial requirements for state agencies to implement or promote the designation beyond eventual ceremonial usage.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Filed: January 15, 2025 (House Docket No. 1633).
  • Introduced in the House by Rep. David Paul Linsky (5th Middlesex) under House No. 3383.
  • Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on February 27, 2025.
  • Senate concurrence noted on February 27, 2025 (per the provided actions).
  • Hearing scheduled: June 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in room A-1.
  • Related session history: Similar matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session as House Bill 3080.

Background on the song

  • Song: “Roadrunner.”
  • Songwriters/credit: Words and music by Jonathan Richman.
  • Performer/recording: Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers.
  • The designation aligns with Massachusetts practice of adopting official state symbols that celebrate local music and culture.

Related legislation

  • Similar matter previously filed in the prior session (House No. 3080, 2023-2024).
  • Current bill is House Docket No. 1633 and House No. 3383 (2025).

Notes and considerations

  • The bill creates a ceremonial designation without establishing fiscal obligations, enforcement mechanisms, or detailed usage guidelines beyond the official status.
  • If enacted, the designation could be used in state ceremonies, events, and promotional materials to highlight Massachusetts’ cultural contributions to rock music.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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