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H 3614

An Act relative to increasing the fine for handicap parking violations for city/town implementation and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Allows MA cities/towns to raise handicap parking fines by $450 if they opt in, using the funds for ADA upgrades on public property/buildings, guided by a disabilities commission.

Hearing rescheduled to 10/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-11:45 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 3614

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill H.3614 (2025)

Overview

H.3614, introduced February 27, 2025, is an Act relative to increasing the fine for handicap parking violations for city/town implementation and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The bill would allow cities and towns that choose to adopt the provision to raise the fine for handicap parking violations by $450 and dedicate those funds to ADA-related needs on public property and in public buildings within the municipality.

Key Provisions

  • Section insertion: The bill would insert after Section 22A of Chapter 40 a new Section 22A ½.
  • Optional adoption by municipalities: “Any city or town that adopts the provisions of this section may increase the fine assessed for violations of handicap parking in the city or town by $450.”
  • Dedicated fund: The additional $450 could be placed into a special municipal account for the municipality where the violation occurred.
  • Use of funds: Monies from the increased fine would be used solely for funding and implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act on public property and in public buildings within the city or town.
  • Oversight and planning: The city or town’s commission on disabilities (or a special commission) would investigate the needs of the municipality for ADA compliance.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Municipalities (cities and towns) that opt to adopt the provision.
  • Individuals: Handicap parking violators in municipalities that adopt the provision.
  • Local governance/advocacy bodies: Commissions on disabilities or equivalent bodies tasked with ADA implementation planning.

Financial and Implementation Details

  • Fine increase: $450 additional fine for handicap parking violations (only if a municipality elects to adopt the new section).
  • Revenue use: Funds deposited into a dedicated municipal account and spent exclusively on ADA-related improvements or compliance on public property and in public buildings.
  • Planning role: Municipal disability commissions would assess ADA needs to guide implementation.

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: Filed February 27, 2025; House Docket No. 2159; Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
  • Legislative actions:
    • Senate concurred (initial step in the 2025-2026 session).
    • Hearing updates show scheduled hearings in October 2025 (10/21/2025) with changes to time/format (A-2 and virtual options).
  • Related bills: HD 2159 (replaces) and prior related matter in the 2023-2024 session (H.3261).

Legislative Context

  • This bill builds on prior efforts to strengthen ADA compliance and funding at the local level by allowing municipalities to augment handicap parking fines and redirect the revenue toward ADA accessibility improvements.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Local flexibility: Municipalities can choose whether to adopt, allowing tailored ADA funding without mandating across the state.
  • Targeted funding: Funds are earmarked for ADA improvements, potentially accelerating accessibility projects on public property and buildings.
  • Compliance capability: Requires the establishment or use of a disability commission to assess needs, which could enhance planning but adds administrative steps for municipalities.

If you’d like, I can summarize how this bill interacts with existing handicap parking penalties or compare it to any parallel bills from prior sessions.

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

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