9/6/02-In an article on fuel cells (February 2002), Land Line Technical Editor Paul Abelson said fuel cell technology will open a new era in truck design and driver ameneties. According to Abelson, fuel cells work by combining hydrogen and oxygen to generate needed current without noise, without vibration, without exhaust and pollution, and with minimal fuel consumption. Apparently, the Massachusetts Legislature agrees. An initiative to commercialize fuel cell technology (HB5063) has made it through the House and the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. It's now on the table before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. For bill status, call (617) 373-2400.
Gov. Jane Swift recently signed two bills - H5205 and H867 - that could potentially affect truckers. H5205, signed April 9, clarifies the number of axles, the length and height of vehicles allowed on certain designated highways. Some of the length limits include: carhaulers, 65 feet; stinger-steered combinations, 75 feet; semi-trailer, 50 feet; truck and semi-trailer or trailer, 59 feet (same applies to combinations pulling doubles). Vehicle and load height is limited to 13 feet 6 inches, with liability for any damage from bridge or viaduct collision whether or not the clearance is posted.
H867, signed July 30, doubles speeding fines in marked construction zones, but the kicker is what constitutes a speeding violation. The new law reads, "While operating a motor vehicle ... at a speed which exceeds the posted limit, or at a speed that is greater than is reasonable and proper." Who decides what is "reasonable and proper"?

8-2-01 -- SB1217, which prohibits the use of mobile telephones while operating a motor vehicle, was sent April 26 to the Senate Ways and Means committee. Accompanying this bill are three House bills - H1457, H2019, and H3595, all of which regulate the use of mobile telephones, and in one case CB radios, by operators of motor vehicles.
The session continues through Dec. 31, 2002. For bill status information, call (617) 722-2520.

7/01/2001 -- The House Public Committee said no to a one-minute time limit on idling, then referred H3594 to the House Steering, Police and Scheduling Committee on May 21. The session continues through Dec. 31, 2002. For status information, call the legislative information office at (617) 722-2520.

5/14/2001 - H3594 would regulate the idling of motor vehicles. The bill was referred to the House committee on public safety and a public hearing was held April 5.
The legislative information office number is (617) 722-2520. The legislative session won't end until Dec. 31, 2002.