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Bill

SD 3880

The Steamship Authority's Website Development Project

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The bill authorizes the Steamship Authority to plan and implement a comprehensive website modernization to improve online booking, real-time vessel information, accessibility, and

Placed on file
0
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Bill Summary · SD 3880

Summary of Bill SD 3880 (Massachusetts, 194th Legislature)

Title

The Steamship Authority's Website Development Project

Purpose and Intent

This bill authorizes and guides the Steamship Authority (the Massachusetts-based transportation agency that operates ferry service) in undertaking a website development project. The central aim is to modernize, expand, or enhance the Authority’s website to improve user experience, accessibility, reliability, and public-facing information about ferry routes, schedules, fares, and related services.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Authorization for Website Development Project

    • Permits the Steamship Authority to plan, fund, procure, and implement a comprehensive website development project. This may include redesign, integration of online booking systems, real-time vessel status, and improved content management capabilities.

  • Funding and Procurement (assumed scope)

    • Likely outlines that funding for the project can come from the Steamship Authority’s dedicated funds, grants, or internal budget allocations. If applicable, it may set caps, timelines, or procurement procedures consistent with state or Authority procurement rules.

  • Project Deliverables and Functionality (assumed scope)

    • Enhanced online booking and ticketing capabilities.
    • Real-time vessel location and schedule information.
    • Improved accessibility features to comply with state and federal accessibility standards.
    • Responsive design for mobile devices and compatibility with various web browsers.
    • Enhanced customer service resources (FAQs, contact options, help documentation).

  • Data and Security Considerations (assumed scope)

    • Provisions to protect customer data, ensure cybersecurity best practices, and comply with applicable privacy and data protection laws.

  • Oversight and Reporting (assumed scope)

    • Potential requirements for project milestones, progress reporting to a designated committee or the Legislature, and post-implementation review or evaluation.

  • Timeline and Milestones (assumed scope)

    • The bill may establish a timeline for planning, procurement, development, testing, deployment, and post-launch evaluation. Specific dates may be defined or left to project governance.

Affected Parties

  • Primary Entity

    • The Steamship Authority: direct beneficiary and executor of the website development project.

  • Public Users

    • Ferry passengers and potential customers who rely on the website for schedules, bookings, fare information, and service updates.

  • State and Public Oversight Bodies

    • If applicable, state legislators, the Authority’s governing board, and relevant committees that oversee transportation and procurement activities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Placed on file as of 2026-05-04.
  • Legislative Process Implications: Being “placed on file” typically means the bill has been received or reviewed by a committee or the body but is not actively advancing to a vote at this moment. Further action would depend on committee hearings, amendments, and floor votes.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Improves public access to accurate and timely travel information.
  • Potential cost implications for modernization; long-term operational efficiency and customer satisfaction gains are anticipated.
  • May require adherence to state procurement rules and cybersecurity/privacy standards.
  • Could set standards for accessibility and mobile usability across the Authority’s digital platforms.

If you need, I can tailor this summary to include assumed financial figures, specific procurement procedures, or align it with the Massachusetts legislative drafting style once you provide additional text or official summaries from the bill’s full language.

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

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