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Bill

S 548

Jeannine Smalls

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Bright Matthews

Expands trail access by creating a dedicated, data-driven program with diverse, disability-led groups to study, advise, and report on improving equitable trail accessibility.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · S 548

Summary of S.548: An Act expanding access to trails for people of all abilities

Overview

S.548, introduced February 12, 2025, seeks to maximize access to trails, outdoor spaces, and outdoor recreational activities for people of all abilities and to promote equity in outdoor access across Massachusetts. The bill would create a formal framework—primarily through a Trail Access Working Group and a Trail Access Advisory Council—to study, advise, and report on improvements to paved and unpaved trail access.

Key provisions and changes

  • Policy declaration (Section 2H(a))
    Establishes a Commonwealth policy to maximize access to trails and outdoor activities for people of all abilities and to advance equity.

  • Trail Access Working Group (Section 2H(c)-(d))

    • Charged with reviewing current trail accessibility, best practices (including federal guidelines from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Access Board), state and federal legal requirements, wetlands policy impacts, and the potential cost and funding sources for implementing recommendations.
    • Responsible for appointing members to the Trail Access Advisory Council and for holding at least three open public hearings annually in different regions.
    • Required to file an annual report with findings and comprehensive recommendations, including a possible implementation timeline and cost estimates with funding options.
    • Composition includes: EEAA secretary (chair), director of the Universal Access Program (DCR), a representative from the Department of Fish and Game, the Massachusetts Office on Disability, conservation and trail organizations, disability-rights and independent living groups, regional planning entities, representatives from cities/towns with trails (with geographic and rural/urban diversity), and at least one organization knowledgeable about accessible trail design.
    • Ensures at least one-third of working group members self-identify as having disabling conditions and requires geographic and racial/ethnic diversity.

  • Trail Access Advisory Council (Section 2H(f))

    • Established to serve as a public resource and to advise on implementing the Working Group’s recommendations.
    • Membership mirrors the Working Group’s emphasis on diverse representation and at least one-third with disabilities; terms are typically three years, with eligibility for reappointment.
    • Includes appointees designated by the Working Group and additional contributors identified by the commissioner.

  • Reporting and transparency (Section 2H(d)(v)-(vii))
    The Working Group must:

    • Hold at least three public hearings annually.
    • File annual reports with the Governor, the EEAA, and the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
    • Publish the reports on the Department’s public website.

Who is affected

  • State agencies within the EEAA (Environment and Energy/Environmental Affairs) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
  • Department of Fish and Game.
  • Massachusetts Office on Disability.
  • Cities and towns with trails, regional planning agencies, and nonprofit/advocacy organizations focused on accessibility, outdoor recreation, conservation, disability rights, and independent living.
  • Trail designers, builders, and funders (as advisory roles and potential grant considerations).

Timeline and process

  • The bill requires ongoing, annual activity: data review, best-practice assessment, public hearings, and annual reporting.
  • The reporting process includes cost estimates and funding recommendations if implementation costs are anticipated.
  • The bill was accompanied by a new draft (S2654) in October 2025, signaling potential substantial revisions during the legislative process.

Legislative context

  • The bill is part of a similar line of effort previously introduced as Senate Bill 446 in 2023-2024.
  • Current status indicates it has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, with ongoing consideration and updates reflected in the S2654 draft.

Notable details

  • Emphasizes a data-driven, equity-focused approach to expanding trail accessibility.
  • Requires diverse representation, including a mandatory share of members with disabling conditions.
  • Calls for coordination across multiple agencies and stakeholders and for public accountability through hearings and published reports.

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

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