Bill > S1855

This bill proposes to establish a dedicated "Motorcycle Safety Fund" by amending Section 34 of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, which governs vehicle registration. Currently, $2 from each motorcycle registration goes into the General Fund for motorcycle safety promotion. This bill would redirect that $2 to the new Motorcycle Safety Fund, which will be managed by the State Treasurer. This fund will be used to administer a motorcycle safety program, including funding approved rider education courses and instructor training, creating a policy manual for instructors and businesses offering these courses, and supporting public awareness campaigns. Importantly, the bill also mandates that the registrar provide rebates of at least $150 to individuals under 21 who complete an approved motorcycle rider course, with these rebates capped at 20% of the fund's total deposits. The State Treasurer will be required to provide quarterly reports on the fund's income and expenditures to the Chairman of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA), a key stakeholder group.