Bill
H 3709
Massachusetts bill would repeal the statutory toll-collection authority (Chapter 6C, Sec. 13), ending tolls and toll revenue for DOT programs, debt service, and drivers.
Status: Introduced and adopted (record shows multiple entries across jurisdictions)
Introduced: January–February 2025
Classification: Resolution / bill (file text includes both a Massachusetts statutory amendment and a South Carolina condolence resolution)
Related bill: HD 3943 (replaces)
Committee referral: Transportation (MA)
Upcoming hearing: 10/14/2025 (rescheduled; Virtual/A-1/B-1 per record)
Note on source material
- The file for H 3709 contains two distinct, unrelated texts combined in the same docket: (1) an Act proposed in the Massachusetts General Court to repeal statutory authority for toll collection, and (2) a South Carolina House Resolution expressing sympathy on the death of Barbara Jean Adams Wright. Both are summarized below because both appear in the submitted file.
1) Massachusetts: “An Act to remove tolls” (statutory amendment)
- Main purpose: To remove the statutory authority authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (or related authority) to collect tolls.
- Key provision:
- Repeal Section 13 of Chapter 6C (the specific statutory provision referenced) — the provision that authorizes the Department of Transportation to collect tolls.
- Practical effect if enacted:
- Eliminates the legal authorization for the state to collect tolls under the cited statute. In practice, this would terminate toll collection unless authority is preserved elsewhere or new authorization provided.
- Would immediately affect toll-funded programs, operations, and debt service that rely on toll revenue.
- Who would be affected:
- Drivers and toll payers in Massachusetts (would no longer be charged tolls under this statutory authorization).
- Massachusetts Department of Transportation and any toll-collecting entities (operational and administrative changes).
- State transportation projects and programs funded (in whole or part) by toll revenue, including ongoing maintenance and debt service; potential impacts on bond covenants and credit agreements that depend on toll revenue.
- State budget planners — replacement revenues or expenditure reductions would be required to offset lost toll receipts.
- Procedural / timeline notes:
- Filed/placed on docket in January 2025; referred to Transportation (2/27/2025); Senate concurrence noted 2/27/2025; hearings scheduled/rescheduled for 10/14/2025 per docket entries.
2) South Carolina: House Resolution — “Barbara Jean Adams Wright”
- Purpose: A House resolution expressing the sorrow of the South Carolina House of Representatives at the death of Mrs. Barbara Jean Adams Wright (d. December 7, 2024), celebrating her life and extending sympathy to her family.
- Key content:
- Biographical highlights: born in Durham, NC; educated at Hillside High School and North Carolina College at Durham (now North Carolina Central University); later degree from Morris College; charter member of Nu Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; longtime elementary teacher in Bennettsville for 35+ years; organist and active member of Shiloh Baptist Church; honored by Old Marlboro Community Center in 2014.
- Survivors listed: four adult children, two grandsons, other family and friends.
- Resolution directs a copy of the resolution be presented to the family.
- Procedural note: Filed January 15, 2025 (listed as a House resolution and noted as introduced and adopted).
Recommendation
- Because the docket combines distinct items from different jurisdictions, verify the official source(s): Massachusetts General Court for the toll-repeal bill text and status; South Carolina House Journal or clerk’s office for the condolence resolution on Barbara J. A. Wright. For the toll-related bill, review MassDOT revenue analyses, bond covenants, and committee testimony to assess fiscal and operational impacts.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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