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Bill

S 1778

An Act relative to ATV vehicles owned and operated by police and fire departments

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Peter Durant and 3 co-sponsors

Bill clarifies legal authority for police and fire departments to own and operate ATVs for emergency response and rescue in terrain inaccessible to standard vehicles.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 1778

Legislative bill overview

S 1778 modifies regulations governing all-terrain vehicle (ATV) ownership and operation by Massachusetts police and fire departments. The bill clarifies the legal status and operational parameters for these vehicles, which are used by emergency services for terrain access that standard vehicles cannot navigate.

Why is this important

Police and fire departments use ATVs for rescue operations, emergency response in rural/challenging terrain, and disaster response. Clear legal authority for ATV ownership and use ensures departments can effectively serve communities while establishing consistent standards across the state. This affects emergency response capabilities and departmental liability.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope and safety standards – The bill may face debate over what safety requirements, licensing, and training requirements should apply to departmental ATVs versus private vehicles
  • Budget and operational costs – Questions may arise about whether the state will fund ATV acquisition and maintenance, or if this creates unfunded mandates for local departments
  • Environmental and usage concerns – Environmental advocates may raise concerns about ATV trail impacts, noise pollution, and off-road use in sensitive areas

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

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