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Bill

H 3651

An Act to improve the functioning and fairness of Registry of Motor Vehicles services

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

Allows cities, towns, and other non-state entities to deliver RMV services under RMV supervision through Registry Local Government Agreements, expanding access and efficiency.

Hearing rescheduled to 10/14/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing location changed
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Bill Summary · H 3651

Summary of House Bill 3651 (H 3651)

Overview

H 3651, titled An Act to improve the functioning and fairness of Registry of Motor Vehicles services, proposes to expand RMV service delivery by authorizing local municipalities and other non-state governmental entities to provide RMV functions under RMV supervision. The goal is to improve access, equity, and efficiency of RMV services across Massachusetts’ geographic diverse communities.

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Filed: January 17, 2025 (House Docket No. 3859)
  • Current status: Hearing rescheduled to October 14, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM); location moved (A-1 and Virtual)
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Transportation (2025-02-27); Senate concurrence indicated; related matter previously filed as H 3300 (2023-2024)

What the bill would do

  • Allow all standard RMV services to be delivered by qualifying local governmental bodies (cities, towns, and other non-state entities) under approved RMV supervision.
  • Enable delivery of RMV services in person during regular business hours and, where appropriate, online.
  • Establish a framework for local service delivery through Registry Local Government Agreements (RLGAs) voted on and signed by the local jurisdiction and the RMV.
  • Create regulatory authority for the RMV to define rules and guidelines governing these local-delivery arrangements.

Key provisions (by concept)

  • Section 1 – Purpose: Recognizes Massachusetts’ geographic diversity and aims to improve traffic enforcement, public safety, service delivery, convenience, and fairness by promoting local RMV service delivery.
  • Section 2 – RLGA framework: Local governments and RMV must approve and enter RLGA agreements to govern local RMV services.
  • Section 3 – Roles and standards: RMV may negotiate and monitor RLGA agreements, define applicable local offices (e.g., Traffic & Parking, Parking Enforcement, Town Clerk offices) and staff authorized to perform RMV functions, determine revenue-sharing arrangements, and secure approvals from local governing bodies (Select Boards, City Councils, Town Meetings). Existing non-state entities may continue to provide services under the new framework.
  • Regulatory oversight: RMV would have regulatory power to set the rules and guidelines for these local RMV operations.

Affected parties

  • Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
  • Local governments (cities, towns, and other non-state jurisdictions)
  • Local offices that could assume RMV-related duties (Traffic & Parking, Parking Enforcement, Town Clerk offices, etc.)
  • Residents and businesses that use RMV services (potentially improved access and convenience)

Implementation timeline and process

  • Introducing chamber actions: Referred to Transportation in February 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 14, 2025 (originally set for 10/14/2025; hearing location adjusted).
  • The bill envisions phased adoption via RLGA agreements, subject to local and RMV approvals.

Notes

  • Related/companion: Similar matter previously filed as H 3300 in 2023–2024; HD 3859 indicates a replacement/updated version.
  • Financial impact: The bill implies revenue-sharing arrangements and local administration costs; specific dollar amounts are not provided in the text available.

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

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