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H 3688

An Act relative to electric vehicle charging stations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steven Howitt

Gives DOT authority to lease land along highways for EV charging stations, expanding charging access for travelers along major corridors.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 3688

Summary: H.3688 — An Act relative to electric vehicle charging stations

Overview
H.3688, introduced February 27, 2025, is a Massachusetts bill titled “An Act relative to electric vehicle charging stations.” The bill has been reported favorably by a committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. A related matter (HD 1106) exists, and the bill has a prior-session analogue (House No. 3344 of 2023-2024). The act would take effect upon passage.

Main purpose
- To improve the availability and use of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in publicly accessible spaces and along state transportation corridors.
- To empower the Department of Transportation (DOT) to lease land for EV charging near highways and interstates, expanding charging options for travelers and commuters.

Key provisions

1) Parking enforcement in EV charging spaces (amendment to Chapter 25A, Sec. 16)
- Inserts after the word “membership” a new enforcement provision:
- If a vehicle that is not compatible with an electric charging station parks in a publicly available parking spot equipped with an EV charging station, the violator faces:
- $50 fine for the first offense
- $100 fine for the second and any subsequent offense
- This creates a monetary penalty intended to deter improper use of EV charging spaces.

2) Leasing authority for EV charging stations (new Sec. 16G)
- The Department of Transportation (DOT) would have the authority to lease parcels of land adjacent to state highways and interstates for the purpose of establishing EV charging stations.
- Eligible parcel types include, but are not limited to, safety rest areas, inspection stations, and referee stations (as defined in Chapters 90 and 93D).
- This provision enables public‑private or government-led development of charging infrastructure along major travel corridors.

3) Effective date
- The act would take effect upon passage.

Affected parties and potential impacts

  • Motorists and parking enforcers
    • Drivers who leave non-compatible vehicles in EV charging spots in public parking would be subject to fines (first offense $50; subsequent offenses $100).
  • EV charging station operators and users
    • Expanded charging access along state highways and interstates via DOT-leased land could increase charging availability and convenience.
  • Department of Transportation and state agencies
    • DOT gains new leasing authority to host EV charging facilities on state land, including rest areas and inspection/referee sites.
  • General public and travelers
    • Potential improvement in EV adoption and travel convenience due to greater charging infrastructure.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Legislative history
    • Referred to the Transportation Committee on February 27, 2025.
    • Reported favorably by committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee on November 18, 2025.
    • Accompanied by H.3700 on the same date.
    • Hearing previously scheduled for September 16, 2025 (informational context).
  • Similar/related legislation
    • Related to prior session House Bill 3344 (2023-2024) and is identified as HD 1106 in current materials.

Overall, H.3688 seeks to deter improper use of EV charging spaces through fines and to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure by authorizing DOT to lease land near major roadways for charging stations.

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

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