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H 3710

An Act relative to driver education

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 4 co-sponsors

Adds a required driver education module on the science of marijuana impairment to Massachusetts curricula for new drivers.

Accompanied a study order, see H4780
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Bill Summary · H 3710

Summary: H.3710 — An Act relative to driver education

Overview

H.3710 seeks to amend Massachusetts driver education requirements by adding a module focused on the science of marijuana impairment. The measure was filed on January 7, 2025, introduced in the 194th General Court (2025-2026), and assigned to the House docket as No. 3710. A hearing is scheduled for July 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in hearing room A-1. The bill is related to prior similar proposals (HD 193 in 2023-2024) and follows standard legislative action in the Transportation committee.

Purpose and intent

  • Primary aim: Ensure driver education courses include up-to-date information on the impairment effects of marijuana.
  • Rationale: Align driver education with evolving understanding of marijuana impairment to promote road safety among new drivers.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to existing law: Section 8 of Chapter 90 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition) is amended.
  • Specific change: Insert after the word “vehicle,” the following sentence: “which shall also include a module on the science related to the impairment effects of marijuana.”
  • Effect: Driver education curricula would be required to incorporate a module addressing marijuana impairment science as part of the instruction for new drivers.

Affected parties and impact

  • Primary stakeholders: Driver education providers and instructors, and students enrolled in driver education programs.
  • Expected impact: Programs must update their curricula to include the marijuana impairment module, potentially affecting course content, instructional time, and testing or completion requirements.
  • Broader safety context: Aims to enhance awareness of how marijuana impairment can affect driving abilities, contributing to safer driving decisions among new licensees.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Committee on Transportation (February 27, 2025).
  • Senate action: Senate concurred (noting cross-chamber alignment on the bill’s approach).
  • Related actions: A similar measure previously filed as House Document 3355 (2023-2024); HD 193 is identified as related/replaces on the docket.
  • Current status: Hearing scheduled for July 8, 2025, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, in Room A-1.

Notes and considerations

  • The text provides the precise insertion point and language for the required module, but does not specify the implementation timeline or funding details. Final details (e.g., module duration, standards, assessment, and vendor or curriculum guidelines) would likely be addressed during the committee process.
  • The bill centers on educational content rather than licensing or enforcement changes.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with the prior version (HD 3355) or draft potential impact questions for committee testimony.

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

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