Massachusetts SD 2133: An Act relative to construction zone speed control systems

Bill Text

1 of 1
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2133 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1784

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
John C. Velis
_________________
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act relative to construction zone speed control systems.
_______________
PETITION OF:

NAME: DISTRICT/ADDRESS:
John C. Velis Hampden and Hampshire
Michael J. Finn 6th Hampden
Joanne M. Comerford Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester 7/3/2025

1 of 10
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2133 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1784
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1784) of John C. Velis and Michael J.
Finn for legislation to increase safety in highways work zones by implementing work zone speed
cameras. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
_______________

An Act relative to construction zone speed control systems.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:

1 SECTION 1. Clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4 of the General Laws, as
2 appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following subclause:-
3 (w) Photographs and other personal identifying information collected pursuant to section
4 17E through section 17I of chapter 90.
5 SECTION 2. Section 1 of chapter 90 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
6 Official edition, is hereby amended by adding the following definitions:-
7 “Construction zone speed control system”, a camera system that monitors and detects
8 motor vehicle speed limits in an active construction zone, as defined in section 17D of this
9 chapter. Construction zone speed control systems shall meet the requirements described in
10 section 17E of this chapter.

2 of 10
11 “Personally identifiable information”, information created or maintained by the
12 department or a vendor that identifies or describes an owner and includes, but is not limited to,
13 the owner's address, telephone number, number plate, photograph, bank account information,
14 credit card number, debit card number or the date, time, location or direction of travel on a
15 highway.
16 SECTION 3. Chapter 90 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition,
17 is hereby amended by adding the following sections:-
18 Section 17E. (a)(1) The department may install and operate construction zone speed
19 control systems in active construction zones as defined in section 17D of this chapter. Any
20 system shall be limited to monitoring and detecting speed violations that exceed the posted speed
21 limit by fifteen miles per hour or more in violation of section 17D of this chapter.
22 (2) In determining where to install and operate construction zone speed control systems,
23 the department shall give due consideration to locations with high traffic volumes and known
24 accident hotspots.
25 (b) Signage shall be displayed in any active construction zones where construction zone
26 speed control systems are in use which clearly alerts motorists to the use of said system. The
27 signage shall remain in place at all times while the system is in operation.
28 (c)(1) The department may enter into an agreement with a private vendor or manufacturer
29 to provide for the design, installation, operation and maintenance, or any combination thereof, of
30 construction zone speed control systems.

3 of 10
31 (2) Any money paid to the manufacturer or vendor of a construction zone speed control
32 system shall not be based upon the revenue generated by the use of such system. Any money
33 paid to the manufacturer or vendor of the system, including, but not limited to, equipment, shall
34 be based upon the value of the system and equipment installed and the recurring services
35 provided in support of the systems, including the processing of evidence files, cost of the
36 technology provided and maintenance of such technology.
37 (d) The department, in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police, shall conduct a
38 public awareness campaign to inform motorists of the use of construction zone speed control
39 systems.
40 Section 17F. (a) No person operating a motor vehicle shall exceed the posted speed limit
41 by fifteen or more miles per hour, as detected by a construction zone speed control system,
42 within an active construction zone where a construction zone speed control system is operational.
43 (b) A violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine as established in Section 17D
44 of this chapter. The owner of a motor vehicle identified by a construction zone speed camera
45 control system shall be liable for any such fine imposed