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HD 1000

An Act relative to motor vehicle battery storage

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Kushmerek

Mandates clear notices at sites that store or sell motor vehicle batteries to inform the public and first responders; violations incur a $250 civil penalty.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1000

Summary: HD 1000 — An Act relative to motor vehicle battery storage

Overview

HD 1000 proposes to add a new provision to Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws to improve safety and awareness around the presence of motor vehicle batteries at certain facilities. The core idea is to require conspicuous notice to the public and to first responders about the presence of motor vehicle batteries on the premises. A civil penalty is established for noncompliance.

Key provisions

  • New section added: Section 59B, inserted after Section 59A in Chapter 140.
  • Who must display notices:
    • Holders of a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 license under Section 58.
    • Owners or operators of motor vehicle repair shops registered under Chapter 100A.
    • Owners or operators of junkyards or automobile graveyards as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 140B.
    • Any person or entity that sells or stores motor vehicle batteries.
  • Display requirement: Prematurely and prominently display notice to the public and to first responders regarding the presence of motor vehicle batteries on the premises.
  • Enforcement and penalty: Violation is subject to a civil penalty of $250.

Affected entities

  • License holders under Chapters 58 (Class 1–Class 3 licenses).
  • Motor vehicle repair shops registered under Chapter 100A.
  • Junkyards and automobile graveyards as defined in Chapter 140B.
  • Retailers or storage entities that sell or store motor vehicle batteries.

Compliance considerations

  • Facilities may need to install or update visible signage indicating the presence of batteries.
  • The penalty for noncompliance is $250 per violation, which could apply per premises or per incident (the text does not specify). (Exact enforcement parameters are not detailed in the excerpt.)

Legislative context and process

  • The bill is a proposed measure introduced in the Massachusetts General Court, with sponsorship by Representative Michael P. Kushmerek (3rd Worcester) and filed as House No. 2652.
  • The bill is categorized under Public Safety and Homeland Security.
  • A related measure with similar aims was filed in a previous session (2023-2024 as House No. 2354), indicating ongoing interest in safety signage around battery storage.
  • Status as provided is incomplete; the document lists an introduction date under the current session but does not specify a current status (e.g., enacted, vetoed, or in committee).

Timeline and practical notes

  • No explicit effective date is stated in the excerpt.
  • The bill would take effect upon passage (and any subsequent regulatory rules or enforcement guidance, if issued by relevant state agencies).
  • The programmatic impact would be primarily compliance-focused for facilities that handle or store motor vehicle batteries.

This summary captures the bill’s substantive provisions and potential impact based on the provided text. If you need, I can add a comparison with the prior similar measure or draft a quick risk/impact memo for stakeholders.

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

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