Several bills considered by the Massachusetts State Legislature in 2018 failed to be approved by both houses of the legislature prior to the adjournment of the session.
• Legislation (H.B. 1857) would have allowed vehicle owners to choose whether to display a front license plate. The bill also gives the option of allowing owners to display a decorative plate on the front of a vehicle. H.B. 1857 was granted a Study Order and received a hearing but ultimately failed to pass out of the Joint Transportation Committee.
• Legislation (H.B. 1805) would have created a separate definition for “antique motor vehicles” and require that they undergo annual emissions inspections to ensure that they meet emissions standards in effect at the time of manufacture. The bill was granted a Study Order and received a hearing but ultimately failed to pass out of the Joint Transportation Committee. A Study Order allows the committee of jurisdiction to review a bill during its recess prior to consideration.
• Legislation (H.B. 1872) would have allowed vehicles registered as “Antique” to display year-of-manufacture plates with DMV approval. Antique vehicles are defined as vehicles more than 25 years old that are maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest. The bill passed its House committee but failed to receive a final vote on the House floor.
Thank you to those who contacted lawmakers about these bills.
