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H 2066

An Act to impose fines on transportation network drivers who discriminate against riders with disabilities who use service animals

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 15 co-sponsors

Imposes escalating fines on MA TNC drivers who discriminate against riders with service animals: up to $500 first offense, $750 second, $1,000 third; effective upon passage.

Hearing rescheduled to 11/20/2025 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in B-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 2066

Comprehensive Summary: H.2066 — An Act to impose fines on transportation network drivers who discriminate against riders with disabilities who use service animals

Overview

H.2066 is a Massachusetts bill introduced February 27, 2025, sponsored by Representative Christine P. Barber (primary) with a bipartisan slate of cosponsors. The bill aims to address discrimination by transportation network drivers (TNC drivers) against riders with disabilities who use service animals by establishing fines for violations. It is currently being considered by the Legislature, with a hearing rescheduled for November 20, 2025. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Purpose and intent

  • To deter and penalize discrimination by transportation network drivers against riders with disabilities who rely on service animals.
  • To ensure compliance with nondiscrimination requirements by TNC drivers operating under Massachusetts law.
  • To align Section 2(g) of Chapter 159A½ with a formal fines framework.

Key provisions

1) Add fines for violations (Section 7 of Chapter 159A½)
- The bill adds a new subsection (e) to Section 7:
- First offense: fine of not more than $500
- Second offense: fine of not more than $750
- Third offense: fine of not more than $1,000

2) Tie fines to discrimination provision (Section 2(g))
- Section 2(g) of Chapter 159A½ is amended by inserting after the word “needs” the language: “, and shall impose fines in accordance with Section 7(e).”
- This ensures that violations of Section 2(g) (presumably relating to service animals and rider needs) trigger the fines schedule established in Section 7(e).

3) Effective date
- The act would take effect upon passage.

Affected parties

  • Transportation network drivers (e.g., TNC drivers operating under Massachusetts law) who discriminate against riders with disabilities who use service animals.
  • Riders with disabilities who rely on service animals, as they would gain a remedies-based penalty pathway against discrimination.
  • Transportation network platforms and related employers may be indirectly affected, as the law creates a driver-specific penalty framework for discriminatory conduct.

Enforcement, procedure, and timeline

  • Enactment path: Referred to the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (February 27, 2025).
  • Legislative action: Senate concurrence noted in the record; ongoing committee consideration.
  • Current status: Hearing rescheduled to November 20, 2025 (11/20/2025) with updated timing; prior hearing details show a 10:00 AM–12:00 PM window and then an updated virtual time.
  • Practical effect: If enacted, enforcement would involve imposing specified fines on offending drivers for each offense, with escalating penalties for subsequent offenses. The bill text does not specify the enforcing agency in this excerpt, but penalties would be imposed under the amended Chapter 159A½ framework.

Related and sponsor context

  • Related Bills: HD 632 (replaces) is noted in relation to this bill.
  • Sponsors: Christine P. Barber (primary) with multiple cosponsors including Jay D. Livingstone, Vanna Howard, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, David Paul Linsky, Patrick Joseph Kearney, Natalie M. Higgins, Sean Garballey, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Mary S. Keefe, Michael P. Kushmerek, Tackey Chan, James K. Hawkins, Steven Owens, Michelle M. DuBois, and Adrian C. Madaro.

Potential impact

  • Strengthens protections for riders with service animals by creating a measurable penalties framework for discriminatory conduct by TNC drivers.
  • Creates a deterrent effect, potentially reducing incidents of discrimination.
  • Could lead to increased compliance obligations for TNC drivers and platforms, and may necessitate clearer guidance on enforcement processes and reporting mechanisms.

This summary captures the bill’s purpose, core provisions, affected parties, and the procedural timeline based on the text and status provided.

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

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