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H 3776

State Election Commission

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cody Mitchell

Massachusetts would require paratransit providers to create, publish, and enforce a riders' bill of rights, posted publicly and in accessible formats, effective Jan 1, 2027.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3776

Summary — H.3776 (2025): An Act relative to an ADA paratransit program riders' bill of rights

Overview / Purpose

H.3776 (filed Jan 8, 2025; introduced Jan 16, 2025 by Rep. Lindsay N. Sabadosa) would require Massachusetts public transit agencies that administer or provide ADA paratransit services to establish and implement a formal "riders' bill of rights." The bill aims to codify minimum service, information, and procedural protections for paratransit users and to make that bill of rights publicly and accessibly available. The act, as drafted, would be added as Section 15N to Chapter 161B of the General Laws. It is slated to take effect January 1, 2027.

(Note: the version file contains unrelated draft language from a South Carolina election bill; this summary addresses the Massachusetts paratransit riders' bill of rights.)

Key provisions

  • Definitions:

    • “Paratransit program” — an ADA paratransit program or service established pursuant to federal ADA statutes (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101–12213).
    • “Public transit agency” — specifically includes the MBTA, Massachusetts Port Authority, regional transit authorities, and other public agencies or subdivisions providing paratransit.
    • “Rider” — a person using the paratransit program.

  • Requirement to establish and implement a riders' bill of rights for users of paratransit services that guarantees the following rights (enumerated in the bill):

    1. Safe, reliable, timely, and efficient paratransit transportation.
    2. Professional, courteous, and properly trained drivers and personnel.
    3. Complete, timely, and accurate information about schedules, fares, routes, and procedures.
    4. The right to appeal denial of eligibility for paratransit.
    5. The right to appeal any actions related to use of the paratransit program.
    6. Trips scheduled and provided within time frames established by law.
    7. On-time pickups and drop-offs per schedules.
    8. Safe and properly equipped vehicles that comply with accessibility laws.
    9. Assistance in boarding and exiting vehicles upon request.
    10. Travel free from disability-based discrimination.
    11. Completion of trips once started without involuntary disruption.
    12. Service animals allowed to accompany riders.
    13. Privacy of rider information.
    14. Ability to submit suggestions, complaints, and concerns regarding service.

  • Accessibility & notice:

    • Agencies must prominently display the riders' bill of rights on their website and in all printed paratransit materials.
    • Agencies must provide the bill of rights in accessible formats upon request.

Who would be affected

  • Directly: public transit agencies in Massachusetts that administer or provide ADA paratransit (MBTA, MassPort, regional transit authorities, municipal agencies) — they must draft, publish, and implement the bill of rights.
  • Indirectly: paratransit riders (people with disabilities relying on ADA paratransit), agency staff (training obligations), and advocates monitoring compliance.

Implementation, enforcement & timeline

  • Effective date specified: January 1, 2027.
  • The bill sets required content and posting/formatting obligations but does not specify detailed enforcement mechanisms, specific penalties, or an administrative compliance regime beyond the posting and accessibility requirements in the text provided.
  • Agencies will need to ensure staff training, accessible communications, and procedures for appeals and complaints.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Positive: greater transparency, clearer procedural protections and recourse for riders, improved accessibility of information, potential service quality improvements through mandated standards.
  • Administrative/cost impacts: agencies may incur costs for drafting materials, publishing and translating into accessible formats, staff training, and implementing or formalizing appeals and complaint processes.
  • Legal alignment: references ADA statutory authority; agencies must ensure the bill of rights and procedures align with federal ADA requirements and existing state rules.

Legislative status (from document)

  • Filed Jan 8, 2025; introduced/read Jan 16, 2025; referred to Committee on Judiciary Jan 16, 2025; later referral to Transportation noted Feb 27, 2025. Hearings were scheduled/rescheduled for October 21, 2025 per the docket entries.

If you want, I can: (1) draft suggested regulatory language to clarify enforcement and appeals procedures; (2) prepare a one-page summary for riders in plain language; or (3) compare this bill to other states’ paratransit riders’ rights documents.

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

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