Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3729

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Protecting motorists and emergency personnel

Impact

The proposed changes under House Bill 3729 would amend Chapter 90 of the General Laws in Massachusetts. This amendment would serve not only as a deterrent but also as a legal basis for enforcing stricter compliance measures in the context of breakdown lanes. By doing so, the bill intends to foster a safer environment for emergency personnel who often work in precarious surroundings while attending to accidents or breakdowns. This increased focus on driver accountability is a significant step towards bolstering road safety in the state.

Summary

House Bill 3729, introduced by Representative David Paul Linsky, aims to enhance safety for motorists and emergency personnel by increasing the fines associated with speeding in designated 'breakdown lanes'. This bill seeks to address the crucial need for protection measures in areas where emergency responders may operate, ensuring that drivers adhere strictly to traffic regulations when passing through such lanes. By instituting higher penalties for violations, the bill aims to deter unsafe driving behavior that endangers both motorists and emergency staff during critical situations.

Contention

While the intended advancements in safety are generally welcomed, concerns may arise regarding the bill's potential impact on drivers' behavior and workload for law enforcement agencies tasked with monitoring compliance. Some critics might argue that increased fines could disproportionately affect lower-income drivers. Additionally, discussions could emerge regarding the feasibility of effective enforcement and whether higher fines would genuinely result in improved compliance or merely generate state revenue without enhancing safety. Stakeholders may call for a thorough assessment of these potential outcomes as discussions surrounding the bill progress.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA H3370

Protecting motorists and emergency personnel

MA H1221

Ensuring protections for physicians and hospitals that contract with Medicaid managed care organizations

MA H1895

Providing worker compensation protection to emergency response and medical personnel related to COVID-19 infection

MA S2254

To protect motorists from excessive EZ-Pass fees and fines

MA H3394

To protect motorists from excessive EZ-Pass fees and fines

MA S1156

Protecting an employee's right to rebuttal of personnel records

MA H1886

Protecting an employee's right to rebuttal of personnel records

MA H2367

Relative to universal background checks for private gun sales

MA H2359

To prohibit carrying firearms in sensitive places

MA S1178

Providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a public health "State of Emergency" declaration

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.