Establishing a board of hoisting machinery regulations

The bill establishes a board for regulating hoisting machinery in Massachusetts. This board will have six members appointed by the governor, serving four-year terms. The members include a chief inspector, a public utility employee, a private contractor, a safety trainer, an OSHA expert, and a union member. The board will set rules for licensing apprentice operators and can deny, revoke, or suspend licenses if safety regulations are violated. Apprentices can operate machinery only under supervision. The board can hire staff as needed, pending approval and funding.

MA H2664 is a house bill in the Massachusetts 194th General Court, sponsored by John Mahoney (D), currently “Introduced” since February 27, 2025.

We track 6,656 Massachusetts bills this session, 8 of them sponsored by John Mahoney.

Supporters will highlight that this bill creates a structured and specialized board to enhance safety standards in hoisting machinery operations in Massachusetts. By involving experts from various relevant fields, the board is well-equipped to ensure that operators receive proper training and adhere to safety regulations, potentially reducing accidents and improving safety outcomes. The initiative to have a dedicated body emphasizes the commitment to public safety and efficient regulation.

Critics may argue that the bill adds bureaucratic layers and could slow down the licensing process with additional red tape. There might be concerns about the potential for over-regulation, which could burden private contractors and increase operational costs. The necessity of another board might be questioned, especially if existing regulations are seen as adequate. Furthermore, decisions about licensing and operations being subject to the board's discretion could be seen as limiting to operators.