Legislation
News topics:
Evidence Suggests That Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Will Improve Street Safety
This November, Massachusetts voters will decide whether to keep or repeal a new law that supporters say make our roads safer by allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license.
October 19, 2022
Gov. Baker Sends Traffic Safety Bill Back to Legislators With Objections to Safer Speed Limits and Passing Rules
The Governor proposed several amendments, including a simpler 3-foot minimum distance for motor vehicles passing bikes and pedestrians, and striking language that would let cities and towns reduce speed limits to 25 mph on state-owned roadways, including the Department of Conservation and Recreation's dangerous "parkways."
September 26, 2022
Legislature Approves Long-Stalled Traffic Safety Bill With Compromises on Bike Light Requirements
The version of the legislation which passed both the House and Senate this week includes a compromise: the new lighting rules can’t be the primary purpose for a police stop, and can’t be used as conclusive evidence of contributory negligence in a civil suit.
September 16, 2022
Last-Minute Legislation Legalizes (Some) E-Bikes, Axes Low-Income Fares, and Throws More Cash At EVs
Despite a late effort by the Senate to revive legislation requiring the MBTA and regional transit authorities to implement low-income fare discounts, the provision went missing from the final agreement.
August 1, 2022
New Bill Would Create an Incentive to Go Car-Free in California
Bill from Senator Portantino would offer a tax credit to people who do not own cars
June 6, 2022
The Infrastructure Bill: What’s In It For Us?
President Biden's $1.2-trillion "infrastructure" bill passed the House late on Friday evening and was hailed by a POTUS needing a win as a “once-in-a-generation investment.” But what's really in it?
November 7, 2021
What’s In (And What’s Out Of) the New Reconciliation Bill For Sustainable Transport
Most programs favored by sustainable transportation advocates have survived negotiations over the massive social infrastructure package that's held up the country's transportation ambitions for months — though a few of them have gotten a little skinnier.
November 2, 2021
State House Update: New Bills Would Tackle Racial Profiling, Traffic Enforcement Cameras, E-Bikes
Last week, two legislative committees – the Joint Committee on Transportation and the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security – hosted public hearings to discuss bills that could affect traffic rules and enforcement across the Commonwealth.
October 19, 2021
Federal E-Car Incentives Get $4B, E-Bikes Still In Limbo
U.S. motorists may soon be eligible for up to $12,500 in grants to purchase electric cars, thanks to a new fund folded into the Democrats' reconciliation package — but benefits for e-bike purchasers may be far more modest and aggressively means-tested, unless advocates speak out.
September 20, 2021
Reconciliation Looking Good For Sustainable Transportation (So Far)
New House legislation coming out of Peter DeFazio's committee could restore some of what sustainable transportation advocates lost during the negotiations over the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill — without technically breaking President Biden's promises to the GOP.
September 14, 2021
