Bill
H 3802
extends MA law to recognize Civil Air Patrol vehicles and trailers as part of fire fighting purposes under motor vehicle provisions.
Purpose and intent
- The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws to extend recognition of Massachusetts Civil Air Patrol (CAP) vehicles and trailers within the state’s motor vehicle provisions.
- Specifically, it adds CAP vehicles and trailers to the category that is already identified for fire fighting purposes, clarifying that CAP assets owned and operated by the United States Air Force Auxiliary (Massachusetts Civil Air Patrol) are included in that same framework.
Key provisions
- Amendment to: The third paragraph of section 33 of chapter 90 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition).
- Text change: After the words “fire fighting purposes,” the following is inserted: “and every motor vehicle or trailer owned and operated by the United States Air Force Auxiliary Massachusetts Civil Air Patrol.”
- Effect: This is a targeted statutory clarification that treats CAP vehicles and trailers similarly to fire fighting vehicles for the purposes governed by section 33 of chapter 90. The bill does not specify new funding or broad programmatic changes beyond this definitional/recognition adjustment.
Who is affected
- Massachusetts Civil Air Patrol units (the state component of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary) and their motor vehicles and trailers.
- State and local agencies that reference or coordinate with CAP vehicles under the existing provision for emergency or fire-related purposes.
- Potentially other enforcement and regulatory authorities that administer or interpret the cited section of chapter 90.
Procedural/timeline details
- Introduced: February 27, 2025.
- Filed as House Docket No. 1194; House No. 3802.
- Referred to the committee on Transportation (February 27, 2025).
- Senate concurrence noted on February 27, 2025.
- Hearing scheduled: May 13, 2025 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM in B-2).
- Legislative action: Reported favorably by committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee (July 28, 2025).
Related matters
- Similar matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session as House Bill No. 3463.
- Related House Docket: HD 1194 (represents the current bill and related provisions).
Potential impact
- Provides formal recognition to CAP vehicles and trailers under Massachusetts law, aligning them with existing provisions for fire fighting purposes.
- May facilitate the use, operation, and regulatory treatment of CAP assets during emergencies or related activities, subject to existing transportation and emergency-use rules.
- No explicit funding provisions are included; any fiscal implications would be reviewed by House Ways and Means.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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