Massachusetts House Bill H3795

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

To establish a monthly payment plan and protect motorists from excessive EZ-Pass fees and fines

Impact

If passed, this legislation would significantly alter how toll-related debts are handled for motorists in the state. The establishment of this monthly payment option is intended to protect individuals from excessive fees and fines that can arise due to the failure to pay tolls promptly. Importantly, the bill also provides exemptions from license renewal refusals for individuals adhering to their payment plans, thereby alleviating some of the immediate pressures faced by those in debt and preventing them from facing license suspension during the repayment period.

Summary

House Bill 3795 aims to establish a monthly payment plan for individuals with outstanding tolls, fines, or fees associated with the Pay By Plate and E-ZPass systems in Massachusetts. The bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to identify account holders with debts over $100 and make regular outreach efforts to inform them about their debts and available options to address them. Additionally, it stipulates the creation of a structured payment plan for individuals accruing debts of $250 or more, allowing them to manage payments without incurring further late fees once they initiate their first payment.

Contention

Critics may potentially raise concerns about the long-term implications of establishing such payment plans, particularly regarding how it could affect state revenues. There is also the risk that frequent delays in payment might create longer-term debt cycles for some motorists. However, proponents argue that this bill provides necessary relief and a feasible way for residents to manage their transportation-related debts, emphasizing consumer rights and financial accountability in transportation systems.