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H 3610

An Act establishing a special commission on public waterway transportation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Creates a Special Commission to study feasibility and plan expansion of public waterway transport in Greater Boston, with hearings and annual reports drafting legislation.

Accompanied a study order, see H5143
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Bill Summary · H 3610

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

Overview

H.3610, introduced February 27, 2025, would establish a standing in-depth study—the Special Commission on the Future of Public Waterway Transportation—to determine the feasibility and plan for expanding public waterway transportation in the greater Boston area. The bill envisions a formal, ongoing planning process with public engagement and annual reporting to inform legislative action.

Key provisions

  • Establishment and purpose

    • Creates the Special Commission on the Future of Public Waterway Transportation to assess feasibility and develop a plan for expanding public waterway transportation in the greater Boston area.

  • Composition

    • 1 member who is a representative of the Department (presumably a state department involved in transportation/waterways).
    • 8 members appointed by the Governor, with specific residency requirements:
    • 1 resident of the City of Boston
    • 1 resident of the City of Quincy
    • 1 resident of the Town of Weymouth
    • 1 resident of the City of Lynn
    • 1 resident of the City of Revere
    • 1 resident of the Town of Winthrop
    • 1 resident of the Town of Hingham
    • 1 resident of the Town of Hull

  • Authorities and activities

    • The commission may conduct public hearings, forums, or meetings to gather information regarding the expansion of public waterway transportation in the greater Boston area.

  • Reporting requirements

    • Annually, on or before June 30, the commission must submit a report to the Governor and to the clerks of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate, who will forward it to the Joint Committee on Transportation.
    • Each annual report should include recommendations, and drafts of legislation necessary to implement those recommendations.
    • The commission may file interim reports and recommendations as appropriate.

  • Legislative impact and implementation

    • The bill envisions providing legislative drafts and a roadmap for policy changes needed to expand public waterway transport, though no specific funding or implementation plan is detailed in the text provided.

Geographic and stakeholder focus

  • The initiative targets the Greater Boston area and engages a cross-section of communities with waterway interests: Boston, Quincy, Weymouth, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, Hingham, and Hull. This reflects a focus on areas with significant coastal and harbor infrastructure and potential water transportation corridors.

Procedural history and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referral: Referred to the Committee on Transportation (February 27, 2025)
  • Senate action: Senate concurred (designation indicates cross-chamber agreement on the bill’s form)

  • Hearing schedule (COVID-era style updates seen in docket updates): Hearing rescheduled multiple times for October 21, 2025, with changes in time blocks and hearing location (A-2, B-2) and virtual options. The latest updates indicate a New End Time for the virtual hearing and shifting time slots.

  • Related legislation: HD 1150 is the House version of the bill; similar matter filed previously as HD 3703 (2023-2024).

Potential impact

  • Creates a formal, ongoing mechanism to study and plan public waterway transportation expansion in the Boston metro area.
  • Establishes a multi-community advisory structure with geographic representation to inform policy and legislation.
  • Emphasizes stakeholder engagement through public hearings and forums.
  • Requires annual reporting with actionable recommendations and draft legislation, shaping future transportation policy and investment decisions.

Notes for readers

  • The bill currently moves through the Massachusetts legislative process with scheduled hearings in October 2025.
  • No specific funding or capital program is identified in the text provided; the act focuses on feasibility, planning, and legislative drafting.

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

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