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H 3763

Fairfield High School

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 122 co-sponsors

Adds MassDOT work-zone vehicle use under §7E, allowed only with a registrar permit, boosting safety for highway crews and guiding contractors.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 3763

Bill Summary — H 3763 (House Docket No. 2636)

Status: Introduced and adopted (House) — Sponsor: Rep. Edward R. Philips (8th Norfolk)
Introduced: January 16, 2025; Referred to Transportation Feb 27, 2025; Senate concurred Feb 27, 2025. Reported favorably and referred to House Ways & Means Aug 18, 2025. Hearing held/scheduled: June 3, 2025 (B‑2, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM). Related: HD 2636 (replaces); accompanied by H3737 (Aug 18, 2025).

Main purpose

To improve safety measures for highway maintenance personnel by amending Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 90, section 7E to explicitly authorize a specified use on MassDOT vehicles engaged in maintenance or construction work in highway work zones, subject to a permit issued by the registrar.

Key provision(s)

  • Amends section 7E of chapter 90 by inserting, after the word “registrar,” a new clause (vii) with the following text:
    • Authorizes the specified activity (as governed by section 7E) on authorized motor vehicles owned, used, or contracted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT, established by section 2 of chapter 6C) when those vehicles are engaged in maintenance or construction activities in highway work zones, and only by authority of a permit issued by the registrar.

(Note: section 7E’s existing subject matter is not reproduced in the bill text provided; the amendment appends this vehicle/work‑zone exception/authorization into the existing list within §7E.)

Who is affected

  • Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and entities contracting with MassDOT (contractors, subcontractors) operating motor vehicles in highway work zones.
  • Highway maintenance and construction personnel (intended beneficiaries through enhanced statutory clarity for safety measures).
  • The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (the “registrar”), which is given permit‑issuing authority under the inserted clause.
  • Motorists and the traveling public to the extent the change governs the operation or equipment of work‑zone vehicles and thus affects work‑zone safety and traffic operations.

Practical effect and considerations

  • The amendment clarifies that MassDOT‑owned, used, or contracted vehicles performing maintenance/construction in work zones may be authorized under §7E (and any devices/actions §7E governs) if the registrar issues a permit — creating an administrative pathway for safety‑related authorizations.
  • By requiring a permit from the registrar, the change builds in a regulatory/oversight step for whatever equipment or operation §7E allows.
  • Exact operational implications depend on the specific authorities and restrictions already present in §7E (e.g., use of lights, signs, special markings, or other devices); readers should consult the current text of G.L. c.90 §7E for full context.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced and adopted in the House on 01/16/2025. Senate concurrence recorded 02/27/2025. Referred to Transportation (02/27/2025). Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025. Committee reported favorably and the bill was transmitted to House Ways & Means on 08/18/2025; accompanied by H3737 that same day.
  • Classified in the source as a “resolution” in places, but the primary text shows an amendment to the General Laws (statutory change). Review of the final engrossed bill and the official legislative tracking page is recommended to confirm final classification and the enacted text.

Note on source text

The provided bill text record also includes the full text of a South Carolina House resolution recognizing Fairfield High School’s centennial. That resolution is unrelated to the Massachusetts statutory amendment and appears to be included in the file in error; it does not affect the Massachusetts statutory language described above.

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

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