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HD 2491

An Act relative to a motorcycle safety fund

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Todd Smola

Creates a dedicated Motorcycle Safety Fund funded by $2 from each motorcycle registration to support rider education, awareness programs, and related activities with annual reporti

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Bill Summary · HD 2491

Summary: An Act relative to a motorcycle safety fund (HD 2491)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill, titled “An Act relative to a motorcycle safety fund,” seeks to create a dedicated Motorcycle Safety Fund within the Commonwealth’s existing budgeting structure. The fund would finance motorcycle safety-related activities such as rider education, instructor training, policy guidelines for providers, public awareness, and the State’s Motorcycle Awareness Program. The revenue source is a dedicated portion of motorcycle registrations, with built-in rebates for young riders. The measure modifies current funding flows to ensure revenues remain in the new fund rather than the General Fund, and it requires annual reporting on income and expenditures.

  • Bill number: HD 2491
  • Introduced: November 29, 2025
  • Origin: Representative Todd M. Smola (Warren, MA)
  • House Docket: No. 2491 (Filed January 16, 2025; referenced as House No. 3784 in the 2025-2026 session)

Key Provisions

  1. Establishment of the Motorcycle Safety Fund

    • Creates a separate fund on the books of the Commonwealth named the Motorcycle Safety Fund (Section 35TTT in Chapter 10).
    • Fund consists of revenues received under section 34 of Chapter 90 that are designated for motorcycle safety purposes.
    • Funds shall remain in the Motorcycle Safety Fund, subject to appropriation for motorcycle safety activities.

  2. Funding Source and Allocation

    • Repeals the current directive that $2 from every motorcycle registration goes to the General Fund for safety purposes.
    • Replaces it with a mandate that $2 from every motorcycle registration be deposited monthly into the Motorcycle Safety Fund.
    • Revenues are to be used solely for administering a motorcycle safety program and related activities.

  3. Rebates to Young Riders

    • Provides rebates of not less than $150 to individuals under age 21 who successfully complete a registrar-approved Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (MBRC).
    • The total rebates under this provision shall not exceed 20% of the funds deposited into the Motorcycle Safety Fund.

  4. Authorized Uses of the Fund

    • Funding for registrar-approved rider education courses and instructor training.
    • Maintaining a policy manual with minimum requirements for instructors and businesses offering approved rider education courses.
    • Support for the Motorcycle Awareness Program (G.L. Chapter 71, Sec. 13D) and related public awareness efforts.
    • Other motorcycle safety-related activities as designated by appropriations.

  5. Oversight and Reporting

    • The State Treasurer must produce annually an accounting of income and expenditures for the Motorcycle Safety Fund.
    • Reports go to the Chairman of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA), the House and Senate chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation, and the clerks of both the Senate and House.

Who Is Affected

  • Motorcyclists and prospective riders (through education rebates and safety programs).
  • Registrar-operated rider education programs and instructors (funded activities and standards).
  • The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (as a recipient of annual reporting).
  • State Treasurer and legislative leadership (audience for annual fund reporting).

Timeline and Process

  • The bill modifies current funding mechanics effective upon enactment, with revenues deposited monthly into the new fund.
  • Specific effective date and implementation timeline would be determined if the bill progresses through the General Court and is enacted into law.

Potential Impact

  • Creates a dedicated, insulated funding stream for motorcycle safety initiatives, reducing reliance on the General Fund.
  • Expands access to rider education through rebates and funded courses.
  • Establishes formalized reporting to stakeholders to improve transparency and oversight.
  • Could influence rider safety outcomes by increasing education and awareness efforts.

Note: The summary reflects the provided bill text and described provisions; final enactment could include amendments impacting scope, funding levels, or implementation details.

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

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