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SD 1865

An Act relative to historic route designations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

Designates MA Route 1, Route 6, and Route 20 as historic United States Routes; MassDOT must erect and maintain markers, overriding other laws.

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Bill Summary · SD 1865

Summary: An Act relative to historic route designations (Senate Docket No. 1865)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill, sponsored by Senator Paul R. Feeney, would designate three major state routes as historic United States Routes. Specifically, Route 1, Route 6, and Route 20 would be designated and known as historic United States Routes, with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) responsible for installing and maintaining markers reflecting this designation in accordance with departmental standards. The designation is stated to override any contrary general or special laws.

  • Bill Number: SD 1865 (Senate Docket No. 1865; Senate No. 2388)
  • Title: An Act relative to historic route designations
  • Sponsor: Senator Paul R. Feeney (Bristol and Norfolk)
  • Official text (summary excerpt): “Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, Route 1, Route 6 and Route 20 in the Commonwealth shall be designated and known as historic United States Routes. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation shall erect and maintain suitable markers bearing that designation in compliance with standards of the department.”

Key Provisions

  • Designation: Route 1, Route 6, and Route 20 in Massachusetts would be designated as historic United States Routes.
  • Signage and Markers: MassDOT must erect and maintain markers recognizing the historic route designation, following the department’s standards.
  • Preemption: The designation is established “Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary,” ensuring the designation stands despite other statutory provisions.

Who and What Is Affected

  • MassDOT: Responsible for implementation, marker installation, and ongoing maintenance.
  • Geographic areas along Routes 1, 6, and 20 within the Commonwealth: Indirect beneficiaries through recognition of historic status and related signage.
  • General public and travelers: Improved awareness of historic route designations when traveling along these corridors.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Status: The bill is introduced and filed in the 2025-2026 session (historical filing shows January 16, 2025; similar matter referenced from a prior session). Specific committee actions, dates, or final passage are not provided in the text excerpt.
  • Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the provided text; typically would take effect upon enactment, with MassDOT responsible for rollout.
  • Funding: The text does not specify funds or appropriation. Implementation would likely require MassDOT resources for markers and maintenance.

Legislative History and Context

  • Similar matter previously filed in a prior session (Senate No. 2232, 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in historic route designations.
  • The bill as drafted is a simple designation with a mandate to erect markers; no related program elements or funding mechanisms are included in the provided text.

Notes

  • As a proposed bill, outcomes depend on legislative action, committee review, and potential amendments. The designation would formalize historic status for three major routes and place responsibility for signage with MassDOT.

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

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