Bill
H 3762
Expands MBTA The Ride to residents within 25 miles of Boston for medical trips, with the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Board reimbursing MBTA for the added costs.
Status snapshot
- Bill number: H 3762
- Introduced: January 16, 2025 (filed); recorded as introduced/referred February 27, 2025
- Classification: Resolution (but record also contains statutory-language bill text)
- Current referrals/shows: Referred to Committee on Judiciary (1/16/2025); also recorded as referred to Transportation (2/27/2025). Hearings scheduled October 21, 2025 (multiple listings). Senate concurrence noted 2/27/2025.
- Related bill reference: HD 2613 (replaces)
Important note on the record
- The available version content appears to include two distinct measures under the same docket/number: (A) statutory language amending Chapter 161A to expand MBTA “The Ride” paratransit to communities within 25 miles of Boston for medical trips, and (B) a House resolution directing the Judiciary Committee to investigate possible impeachment of the State Treasurer (named as Curtis Loftis). These are separate substantive actions; readers should consult the official legislative website to confirm which text is the active H.3762 and to view the current official version and status.
Purpose and intent (two measures reflected)
1. Expand MBTA “The Ride” medical transportation:
- Make The Ride available to persons residing in any community within 25 miles of the city of Boston to transport them to Boston for “medical related purposes.”
- Require that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA, “the authority”) be reimbursed for costs of providing these services by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Board (established under G.L. c.176Q, §2).
Key provisions (statutory-language measure)
- Adds a new Section 49 to Chapter 161A (MBTA law):
- Geographic eligibility: residents of communities within 25 miles of Boston.
- Trip purpose limited to medical-related transportation to Boston.
- Payment/reimbursement: the Health Connector Board reimburses MBTA for the costs incurred.
Who would be affected
- Residents: Individuals requiring paratransit who live in communities within 25 miles of Boston and need transport to Boston for medical appointments.
- MBTA/The Ride: Operational scope, scheduling, fleet capacity, and costs could change to serve a larger geographic area.
- Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Board: financial responsibility for reimbursing MBTA for added service costs.
- State fiscal impact: increased program costs (amount not specified) and potential budgetary/administrative implications for MBTA and Health Connector.
- Separately, the impeachment resolution would directly affect the State Treasurer (subject of the inquiry), the Judiciary Committee, and potentially the full House if articles are reported.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Multiple referrals listed (Judiciary and Transportation); hearings scheduled for October 21, 2025 (per legislative actions).
- The statutory-language change would require enactment and administrative implementation (rulemaking, eligibility verification, contracting/reimbursement arrangements) before expanded service could begin. No implementation dates or fiscal estimates are included in the text.
- The impeachment resolution directs an immediate Judiciary Committee inquiry; timing and outcome depend on the committee’s investigation and any subsequent House action.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Service demand: expanding The Ride’s service area could increase trip volume substantially; MBTA capacity and scheduling could be strained without additional resources.
- Cost and reimbursement: the bill creates a reimbursement mechanism but does not specify funding levels, payment timing, or administrative processes—raising questions about sufficiency and cash-flow.
- Eligibility and definition: “medical related purposes” is not defined in the text; operational definitions and documentation requirements would be needed.
- Legal/constitutional process: the impeachment resolution invokes constitutional standards (“clear and convincing evidence”) and places investigatory responsibility with the Judiciary Committee; outcomes could lead to formal impeachment articles and trial procedures.
Recommendation
- Because the public record for H.3762 appears to contain two distinct texts, verify the active/official version and up-to-date status via the Massachusetts Legislature’s website (malegislature.gov) or the Clerk’s office before relying on the bill’s provisions for analysis, fiscal review, or advocacy.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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