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SD 47

An Act relative to the visibility of fire hydrants

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

Requires Massachusetts hydrants to use high-visibility colors (white not allowed as primary) to improve emergency visibility and response; implementation details to be determined.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 47

Overview

Bill SD 47, “An Act relative to the visibility of fire hydrants,” proposes a color standard to improve the visibility of fire hydrants across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its political subdivisions. Introduced February 27, 2025 by Senator Bruce E. Tarr, the measure would amend Chapter 148 of the General Laws by adding a new Section 27C. The House has concurred on the same date the bill appears in the published status.

Key Provisions

  • Adds Section 27C to Chapter 148: Fire hydrant visibility.
  • Requirement: Fire hydrants installed in the Commonwealth or any political subdivision and located in any public or private way must be painted in colors that:
    • maximize visibility,
    • provide contrast with their surroundings,
    • do not include the color white as a primary color (white may be used only as a secondary color to contrast with the surroundings).
  • Scope: Applies to hydrants owned by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision, and located in both public and private ways.

Affected Parties and Objects

  • Government and governing bodies: State agencies and all cities, towns, and other political subdivisions responsible for hydrants.
  • Hydrant owners: Both Commonwealth and local government entities.
  • Hydrants located on public or private ways (which could include hydrants on private property that are situated along private access ways).

Implementation and Timeline

  • The bill would insert a new regulatory requirement into Chapter 148, Section 27C (no explicit implementation date provided in the text excerpt).
  • No funding or phased-in schedule is specified in the bill text provided.
  • Legislative history indicates a prior related effort (Senate Bill 1594 in 2023-2024) and ongoing interest in hydrant visibility.

Legislative History (as of available status)

  • Filed: January 7, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 47; Senate No. 1765).
  • Introduced by: Senator Bruce E. Tarr (First Essex and Middlesex).
  • 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security; House concurred on the same date.
  • Similar matter previously filed: Senate No. 1594 (2023-2024 session).

Summary

SD 47 seeks a straightforward, uniform standard: hydrants must be painted with colors that maximize visibility and contrast with surroundings, while restricting white as a primary color. The aim is to improve emergency response effectiveness and safety by making hydrants more easily seen in varied environments across the Commonwealth. The bill does not specify a transition timeline or funding, leaving questions about implementation and enforcement to future actions by the General Court.

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

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