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H 2739

An Act relative to neglecting to yield to a crossing guard or traffic officer

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Pease and 1 co-sponsor

Requires drivers in Massachusetts to yield to crossing guards and traffic officers just as they must to police, strengthening safety at crossings and uniform enforcement.

Accompanied a study order, see H5254 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2739

Summary: An Act relative to neglecting to yield to a crossing guard or traffic officer (House Bill H.2739)

What this bill does

  • Expands the Massachusetts traffic yield requirement to explicitly include crossing guards and traffic officers.
  • Specifically amends Section 25 of Chapter 90 of the General Laws to add the phrase “crossing guard or traffic officer” immediately after the words “any police officer.” This means drivers would be obligated to yield to crossing guards and traffic officers in the same manner as they currently must yield to police officers.

Key provisions

  • Legislative change: Insertion into M.G.L. ch. 90, §25.
  • Scope: Applies to neglecting to yield to crossing guards and traffic officers, in addition to the existing obligation to yield to police officers.
  • Penalties: The provided text does not specify new penalties; the change appears to extend the protected individuals to whom yielding is required. Penalties would likely align with the existing penalties under §25 for failing to yield to police officers, unless otherwise amended in subsequent language not included here.

Who is affected

  • Drivers and vehicle operators in Massachusetts.
  • Crossing guards and traffic officers who manage school crossings and traffic operations, as their safety and authority at crossings would be reinforced by this statute.
  • Law enforcement and public safety personnel may see strengthened enforcement of yielding obligations at crossings and work zones.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Status: Hearing scheduled for April 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in hearing rooms A-1 & A-2.
  • Legislative actions:
    • Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (February 27, 2025).
    • Senate concurred (February 27, 2025).
  • Docket and sponsorship:
    • House Docket No. 3867.
    • Presented by Representative Steven George Xiarhos (Barnstable).
  • Related information:
    • HD 3867 is listed as replacing the measure.
    • The bill is categorized under Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Potential impact

  • Safety: Clarifies and strengthens protections for crossing guards and traffic officers, potentially reducing risk at school crossings and other traffic control points.
  • Enforcement: Aligns yielding obligations across police officers, crossing guards, and traffic officers, potentially enabling uniform enforcement.
  • Public safety policy: Signals legislative emphasis on protecting frontline traffic controllers and their authority at crossings.

Note: This summary reflects the text provided. If additional sections (e.g., penalties, definitions, or exemptions) are included in the full bill, those details could refine the impact and implementation.

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

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