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S 3075

An Act establishing safety standards for motorcross tracks

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dylan Fernandes and 1 co-sponsor

Colby’s Law creates a statewide safety framework for motocross tracks, requiring registration, annual permits, inspections, design/maintenance standards, safety equipment, youth pr

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 3075

Overview

  • Bill: S.3075 (Massachusetts, 194th General Court)
  • Title: An Act establishing safety standards for motorcross tracks (also referred to as Colby’s Law)
  • Purpose: Establish statewide safety standards and regulatory framework for motocross tracks, including registration, permitting, design/maintenance requirements, rider safety protections, enforcement, funding, and advisory structures.

Main purposes and intents

  • Create a formal safety regime for motocross tracks to reduce rider injuries and enhance track readiness.
  • Establish a centralized regulatory framework within the Massachusetts Division of Public Safety and related offices to oversee, inspect, and enforce safety standards.
  • Promote public awareness and provide financial support for safety-related capital improvements at tracks.

Key provisions and changes

Registration, permits, and regulation

  • All motocross tracks operating in Massachusetts must be registered with the division.
  • Annual operating permits are required, contingent on inspection by the division to verify compliance with safety standards.
  • The division is tasked with promulgating regulations implementing these sections (102–111), including minimum safety requirements for tracks, staff, observers, and riders.

Design, maintenance, and safety requirements

  • Tracks must meet minimum design and maintenance standards.
  • Tracks must adopt and implement emergency medical response plans.
  • Riders and participants must wear appropriate protective equipment.
  • Tracks must conduct safety briefings for new participants.

Rider safety and youth protections

  • Operators must carry liability insurance to cover injuries/damages on-site.
  • Riders under 18 require written parental/guardian consent.
  • Youth safety measures include speed limits and restricted access to certain advanced courses.

Enforcement and penalties

  • Division and the Office of Law Enforcement have authority to enforce via inspections, fines, or suspension of permits.
  • Violations carry fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, scaled by severity.

Public awareness and grants

  • A statewide public education campaign on track safety will be developed and implemented in coordination with law enforcement and environmental affairs offices.
  • A grant program will support capital improvements at motocross tracks to enhance rider safety.

Fees and funding

  • Permit applications and renewals must include fees.
  • Fee amounts and regulatory fee structure are to be set annually by the Commissioner of Administration (per ch. 7, sec. 3B).

Off-highway vehicle advisory committee (expanded scope)

  • The bill reorganizes and expands the state off-highway vehicle advisory committee within the EEA (Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs), defining 19 members across user groups, associations, landowners, safety advocates, and law enforcement.
  • Committee duties include advising on regulation, safety/training programs, and funding distribution, meeting at least twice yearly, and selecting a chair annually. Members serve without compensation and have 3-year terms.

Related statutory amendments

  • Amendments to Section 23 of Chapter 21A to create and define the statewide off-highway vehicle advisory committee and its scope.
  • Amendments to Chapter 10, Section 35OO, adjusting funding credits, department references in enforcement and grant-related provisions, and alignment with the new safety program (Chapter 143) sections 102–112.

Reporting requirement

  • By January 1, 2027, the Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary must report to the House and Senate clerks on the quality and effectiveness of public education materials related to off-highway vehicles.

Who is affected

  • Motocross track operators/managers: registration, annual permits, insurance, design/maintenance obligations, safety programs, and potential penalties for non-compliance.
  • Riders and spectators: safety equipment requirements, youth safeguards, parental consent for minors, and safety briefings.
  • Track staff and observers: minimum safety standards and training requirements.
  • General public: through the statewide safety campaign and public awareness efforts.
  • State agencies: Division of Public Safety, Office of Law Enforcement, EEA agencies, and the new advisory committee (off-highway vehicle sector stakeholders).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the summary text; generally, such acts take effect upon enactment or as specified in the bill’s final language.
  • Permits and inspections: Required for ongoing operation; regular inspections to verify compliance.
  • Funding: Fees for permits to be determined annually; grants administered for safety-focused track improvements.
  • Advisory committee: To be constituted with specified membership and meeting cadence; ongoing guidance to agencies.
  • Reporting: A formal review due by January 1, 2027.

Summary in plain terms

Colby’s Law would regulate motocross tracks in Massachusetts with a comprehensive safety framework: mandatory track registration, annual operating permits contingent on inspections, design and maintenance standards, mandatory safety equipment and briefings, youth protections, required liability insurance, and enforcement powers with fines. It also creates a statewide safety and awareness campaign and a grant program to fund safety-related improvements. The bill expands the state’s off-highway vehicle advisory committee to include a broad set of stakeholders and directs ongoing oversight and funding decisions. A reporting requirement on public education materials is included to assess effectiveness.

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

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