Bill > H3788

This bill establishes a Vehicle Mileage User Fee Task Force to explore an alternative transportation funding method that would replace the current motor vehicle fuel tax system. The task force will be composed of nine members appointed by various state leaders, including transportation officials, engineers, consumer advocates, privacy experts, and transportation finance specialists. The task force will conduct at least six public hearings across the state's highway districts and gather public input on a proposed pilot program. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will develop and implement a statewide pilot program involving at least 1,000 volunteer drivers from diverse vehicle types and regions, who will have mileage-tracking equipment installed in their vehicles. The pilot program aims to test technologies for counting, reporting, and collecting miles-traveled fees while also evaluating data protection, driver privacy, and potential variable pricing based on factors like driving time, road type, vehicle efficiency, and driver income. Participants will be compensated to ensure they do not pay more than they would under the current tax system. The department will seek federal funding and must submit a comprehensive report to state legislative committees within three years, examining the feasibility of a permanent vehicle mileage user fee, its potential economic and environmental impacts, and comparisons to existing taxation methods.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3788