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S 797

An Act reforming auto body labor rates

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Moore

Massachusetts bill S 797 reforms auto body shop labor rate regulations to address collision repair pricing standards and industry viability concerns.

Hearing rescheduled to 10/22/2025 from 10:30 AM-11:40 AM in B-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · S 797

Legislative bill overview

S 797 proposes to reform how auto body labor rates are calculated and regulated in Massachusetts. The bill addresses pricing standards for vehicle collision repair services, likely establishing new benchmarks or oversight mechanisms for labor cost determinations in the auto body repair industry.

Why is this important

Auto body labor rates directly affect insurance claims, repair costs for consumers, and the viability of repair shops. How these rates are set influences whether collision repairs are affordable, whether insurers can manage claims costs, and whether repair facilities can remain profitable and competitive.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry perspective: Insurers may resist rate reforms that increase labor cost reimbursements, as this raises claims expenses and potentially insurance premiums
  • Repair shop sustainability: Shops argue current rates don't reflect actual labor costs, inflation, or skill requirements; reform scope determines whether grievances are adequately addressed
  • Consumer impact ambiguity: Unclear whether reforms lower consumer out-of-pocket costs or primarily redistribute costs between insurers and repair facilities, with uncertain secondary effects on insurance pricing

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

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