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S 266

Relates to a religious exemption from vaccination requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Ashby and 11 co-sponsors

Massachusetts would require vehicle manufacturers to equip model-year 2022+ vehicles with an interoperable, standardized, open-access telematics platform across all makes and model

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · S 266

Summary — S.266 (2025): An Act relative to custom-built heavy duty vehicles sold in the Commonwealth

Main purpose

This bill would require motor vehicle manufacturers who sell vehicles in Massachusetts to equip vehicles that use telematics systems with an interoperable, standardized, open-access telematics platform across the manufacturer’s makes and models. The requirement is directed at model-year 2022 and thereafter and is specifically framed to address heavy‑duty vehicles while excluding certain custom-built heavy‑duty vehicles sold for commercial purposes.

Key provisions

  • Amends chapter 93K of the Massachusetts General Laws (section 1 and subsection (f) of section 2).
  • Inserts a new requirement that, “Commencing in model year 2022 and thereafter a manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the Commonwealth, including heavy duty vehicles that are not heavy duty vehicles built to custom specifications sold in the commonwealth for commercial purposes, that utilize a telematics system shall be required to equip such vehicles with an inter‑operable, standardized and open access platform across all of the manufacturer’s makes and models.”
  • The language emphasizes interoperability, standardization, and open access for telematics platforms provided by the manufacturer.

Who or what would be affected

  • Vehicle manufacturers selling in Massachusetts: required to provide interoperable and open telematics platforms for applicable vehicles.
  • New vehicle purchasers and owners (model year 2022 and later): greater ability to access vehicle telematics data and potentially choose third‑party services.
  • Fleet operators and commercial purchasers (except certain custom‑built heavy‑duty commercial vehicles that the text appears to exclude).
  • Third‑party telematics and maintenance providers: increased access to standardized telematics data could expand market opportunities.
  • Dealers and service providers: may need to adjust offerings and service processes to accommodate standardized telematics access.

Potential impacts and issues to watch

  • Consumer choice and competition: standardized, open access could make it easier for owners to switch telematics service providers and for independent mechanics and software vendors to access vehicle data.
  • Manufacturer costs and implementation: designing and deploying an interoperable, open platform across models may impose engineering and compliance costs.
  • Data privacy and security: open access raises cybersecurity and personal data protection questions — the bill text does not specify privacy safeguards or technical standards.
  • Scope ambiguity: the bill’s wording about excluding “heavy duty vehicles built to custom specifications sold … for commercial purposes” may require clarifying what vehicles are exempt.
  • Effective timing: although the requirement is tied to “model year 2022 and thereafter,” the bill was introduced in 2025, so implementation and retrospective application may prompt legal or practical questions.

Procedural status (as provided)

  • Introduced in the Massachusetts Senate on 2025-01-07 / 2025-01-28 (docket filings show both dates).
  • Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (record shows multiple referrals, including Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and duplicate “REFERRED TO HEALTH” entries).
  • Hearing(s) scheduled/rescheduled for October 14, 2025 (times and venues noted).
  • Petitioners listed: Michael O. Moore and Pavel M. Payano (the bill text identifies them as petitioners). The supplied sponsors list includes many names that appear inconsistent with a state bill; primary petitioners at the state level are Michael O. Moore and Pavel M. Payano.

Notes

  • The provided materials contain some inconsistencies (title header references vaccination exemptions and sponsor lists include federal names). This summary focuses on the bill text filed in the Massachusetts Senate titled “An Act relative to custom-built heavy duty vehicles sold in the Commonwealth,” which concerns telematics interoperability in chapter 93K.

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

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