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H 3797

An Act providing for a MassPort airline regulation study

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marcus Vaughn

MassPort must commission a study on airline regulation in Massachusetts, evaluating options like lodging or compensation for cancellations, with a report due by Jan 1, 2027.

Accompanied a study order, see H5049
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Bill Summary · H 3797

Summary of H 3797: An Act providing for a MassPort airline regulation study

Overview

H 3797, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Marcus S. Vaughn (9th Norfolk), would require the Massachusetts Port Authority (MassPort) to commission a study examining the regulation of airlines doing business in Massachusetts. The study would consider the possible legal implications of imposing certain airline regulations, including requirements that airlines provide lodging, new flights, or other compensation to customers in the event of flight cancellations. The bill does not implement regulations itself; it directs MassPort to study potential regulatory options and their legal feasibility.

Key Provisions

  • SECTION 1: MassPort shall commission a study on the regulation of airlines operating in the Commonwealth. The study must examine possible legal implications of imposing regulations on airlines, including, but not limited to, requirements for lodging, additional flights, or other compensation to customers if a flight is cancelled.
  • SECTION 2: MassPort must file a report with its findings on the legal implications of imposing such regulations with the clerks of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate and with the Joint Committee on Transportation no later than January 1, 2027.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
  • Related activity: A similar matter was filed in a prior session (House No. 3461, 2023-2024) and is listed as “HD 63 (replaces).”
  • Hearing: A hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in room B-1.

Who is Affected

  • Massachusetts Port Authority (MassPort): Responsible for commissioning the study and preparing the report.
  • Airlines operating in Massachusetts: Subject to consideration of potential regulations in the study; no new regulations would be enacted by the bill itself.
  • Consumers and travelers: Potential outcomes depend on future regulatory actions that may be informed by the MassPort study (e.g., lodging, compensation for cancellations).
  • Massachusetts General Court: Receives the study findings via the mandated report to the clerks and the Joint Committee on Transportation.

Potential Impact and Implications

  • Policy Impact: The bill does not implement regulations but could inform future regulatory decisions by assessing legal feasibility and potential consequences of requiring standards such as lodging or compensation for cancellations.
  • Financial/Operational Implications: If the study identifies feasible regulatory approaches, it could lead to future legislative or regulatory proposals; the bill itself does not authorize funding or create costs beyond conducting the study (which would be borne by MassPort).
  • Timeline: The mandated report is due by January 1, 2027, providing over a year for study design and analysis after the hearing.

Notes

  • The bill is a House petition (H 3797) filed in the 2025-2026 session and reflects ongoing interest in airline regulation discussions within Massachusetts, building on prior related measures.

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

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