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S 1667

Prohibits certain forensic child custody evaluators from appearing as an expert witness in family court

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare and 7 co-sponsors

Requires auto license holders, repair shops, junkyards, and battery sellers to post notices about stored motor vehicle batteries for public and first-responder safety; $250 penalty.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · S 1667

Summary — S.1667 (An Act relative to motor vehicle battery storage)

Status: Referred to Judiciary (most recent). Introduced 01/17/2025. Committee and floor actions through 06/10/2025 included hearings, committee discharge, Senate passage, and delivery to the House.

Note on document inconsistencies: The bill text and docket indicate a Massachusetts state bill presented by Senator William J. Driscoll, Jr., concerning motor vehicle battery storage (Chapter 140 amendment). Some provided metadata (title and a separate sponsor list) appears inconsistent with that text; this summary is based on the bill language shown below.

Purpose

To require businesses and persons who hold certain motor-vehicle-related licenses or who sell or store motor vehicle batteries to post prominent notice to the public and first responders that motor vehicle batteries are present on the premises. The intent is to improve awareness for emergency responders and the public about the presence of stored batteries, which can present fire, chemical, and electrical hazards.

Key provisions

  • Amends Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws by inserting a new Section 59B after Section 59A.
  • Entities required to display notice include:
    • All holders of a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 license pursuant to section 58;
    • Owners/operators of motor vehicle repair shops registered under Chapter 100A;
    • Owners/operators of junkyards or automobile graveyards (as defined in Chapter 140B, §1);
    • Any person or entity who sells or stores motor vehicle batteries.
  • Requirement: Prominently display notice to the public and first responders of the presence of motor vehicle batteries on the premises.
  • Penalty: Violation is subject to a civil penalty of $250.

Who is affected

  • Auto dealerships and licensees holding Class 1–3 licenses (per §58).
  • Registered repair shops.
  • Junkyards, automobile graveyards, salvage yards.
  • Retailers, wholesalers, and storage facilities that sell, store, or handle motor vehicle batteries.
  • First responders and the general public (indirectly benefit from improved hazard awareness).

Enforcement, penalties, and gaps

  • The bill specifies a $250 civil penalty for violations but does not identify the enforcing authority or administrative process in the text provided.
  • The statute does not specify the required content, size, placement, or language of the notice; implementing guidance or regulations may be needed.

Legislative status and timeline (selected)

  • Filed: 01/17/2025 (Senate Docket No. 2556)
  • Referred to Public Safety and Homeland Security; hearings scheduled April 9, 2025.
  • Committee discharged and committed to Rules; Ordered to third reading and Passed Senate on 06/10/2025.
  • Delivered to the House and referred to Judiciary (most recent action).

Practical impact

  • Low administrative cost for businesses (signage) but improves situational awareness for emergency responders.
  • Penalty is modest; compliance likely achievable through standard signage practices.
  • Further regulatory detail may be needed to standardize notices and enforcement.

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

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