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S 1258MASSACHUSETTSSession 194thState Billin committee

Massachusetts Senate bill penalizes open possession of narcotics and marijuana in motor vehicles with $100 to $500 fines

Original title: An Act relative to safe driving and open containers

Last action · December 18, 2025: Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886Sponsor: Bruce Tarr

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Would Do

Massachusetts Bill S.1258 prohibits individuals from possessing narcotic drugs or marijuana in the of a motor vehicle unless stored within a closed bottle, bag, or container. Violators face a fine ranging from $100 to $500 upon conviction.

Why it matters

Drivers and passengers risk financial penalties ranging from $100 to $500 if controlled substances are kept uncontained within the of a vehicle on public roads or accessible areas.

Background

The bill was introduced by Senator Bruce E. Tarr during the 194th session of the Massachusetts General Court and referred to the Judiciary committee. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Motor vehicle operators and passengers

Drivers and passengers must store narcotic drugs and marijuana in closed containers within the vehicle's passenger area or face fines between $100 and $500.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if someone has marijuana or narcotics in a car under this bill?

If the substance is not kept within a closed bottle, bag, or other container in the , the person faces a fine between $100 and $500.

Where does this rule apply?

The restriction applies upon any public way, any place to which the public has a right of access, or any place where the public has access as .

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

5 actions

Dec 18, 2025Senate
Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886
Oct 20, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2
Jul 29, 2025Joint
Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
Feb 27, 2025House
House concurred
Feb 27, 2025SenateCommittee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Connected Entities

The Judiciary, Bruce Tarr

OrganizationThe Judiciary“Committee to which the petition was referred”Map →

PersonBruce Tarr“Primary sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1258”Map →

Sources

Open source document

malegislature.gov

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance45
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy40
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment10
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz25
Current news / social attention level

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