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Massachusetts designates “Roadrunner” by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers as the official state rock song

Original title: An Act designating the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of the Commonwealth

Last action · November 10, 2025: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate RulesSponsor: Bruce Tarr

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What This Bill Would Do

Massachusetts bill S.2218 designates the song “Roadrunner,” written by Jonathan Richman and recorded by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers, as the official rock song of the Commonwealth.

Why it matters

Changes only the official state symbols of the Commonwealth; no funding, tax, or service changes are stated.

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

Residents of Massachusetts

The official state symbols of the Commonwealth are updated to include a new official rock song.

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 song does bill S.2218 designate as the official rock song?
The bill designates the song “Roadrunner,” with words and music by Jonathan Richman and recorded by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers.
Does this bill change any state taxes or funding?
No, the bill only amends Chapter 2 of the to designate an official state symbol and does not authorize funding or service changes.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Where This Stands

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

Procedural history

4 actions
  1. Nov 10, 2025SenateCommittee
    Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Rules
  2. Jun 18, 2025Joint
    Hearing scheduled for 06/24/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1
  3. Feb 27, 2025House
    House concurred
  4. Feb 27, 2025SenateCommittee
    Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

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.

Sponsors

Connected Entities

General Laws, The Modern Lovers, Jonathan Richman
otherGeneral Laws“Chapter 2 is amended by the bill”Map →
OrganizationThe Modern Lovers“Musical group that recorded 'Roadrunner'”Map →
PersonJonathan Richman“Songwriter of 'Roadrunner'”Map →

Sources

Open source document

malegislature.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance10
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy5
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment15
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz20
    Current news / social attention level

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