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Bill

HD 2159

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 cities/towns to raise handicap parking fines by $450 and dedicate the funds to local ADA compliance and accessibility projects.

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Bill Summary · HD 2159

Summary: An Act relative to increasing the fine for handicap parking violations for city/town implementation and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (HD 2159)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill would empower municipalities to increase fines for handicap parking violations by $450 and designate the additional revenue for local Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance efforts on public property and in public buildings. The measure is optional for cities and towns that choose to adopt the provision and would establish a local funding mechanism overseen by the municipality’s disabilities commission.

Key Provisions

  • Legislative insertion: Chapter 40 of the General Laws would be amended by adding a new Section 22A ½ after Section 22A.
  • Fine increase: A city or town that adopts this section may increase the fine for handicap parking violations by $450.
  • Dedicated fund: The additional $450 may be deposited into a special municipal account in the municipality where the violation occurred.
  • Use of funds: Monies from the account may be used solely for funding and implementing the ADA on public property and in public buildings within the city or town.
  • Oversight and planning: The city/town’s commission on disabilities or a related special commission must investigate the needs of the municipality for ADA implementation.

Applicability

  • Local option: Only municipalities that choose to adopt the new section would be permitted to impose the higher fine and establish the dedicated fund.
  • Scope: Applies specifically to handicap parking violations within the adopting city or town.

Fiscal and Operational Impact

  • Revenue source: Creates an additional $450 per qualifying handicap parking violation directed to local ADA-related initiatives.
  • Fund purpose: Aims to finance ADA compliance projects and personnel on public property and buildings.
  • Governance: Requires the municipalities’ disabilities commission (or a similar body) to assess needs and guide ADA implementation financed by the fund.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals committing handicap parking violations in adopting municipalities: subject to higher fines.
  • Adopting cities and towns: responsible for administering the increased fine, the special account, and ADA planning/implementation.
  • People with disabilities and the broader community: potential improvements in accessibility and ADA compliance funded by the new revenue.

Procedural and Timeline Context

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025 (House No. 3614) by Rep. Bruce J. Ayers.
  • Status: The provided information lists it as a proposed bill with no enacted status; it would need passage by both chambers and signature by the Governor to become law.
  • Historical context: Similar matter was previously filed in 2023-2024 as House No. 3261.

Notes

  • The bill relies on local adoption, meaning its impact varies by municipality.
  • The $450 per violation represents a substantial increase that would fund ADA-related public improvements at the local level.

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

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