Massachusetts Senate Bill S2356

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25
• Refer: 12/29/25

Caption

Relative to third party delivery fees for transportation infrastructure

Impact

The bill significantly impacts the operational costs associated with third-party delivery services. By requiring companies to report the number of deliveries and the amount collected from delivery assessments annually, the legislation seeks to increase financial transparency and accountability within the delivery service industry. Furthermore, the collection of these fees is designed to support local governments in maintaining and improving their transportation infrastructure, including roads and bridges, which may experience increased wear due to delivery traffic.

Summary

Senate Bill S2356 aims to regulate third-party delivery service fees in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, particularly focusing on fees associated with food and beverage delivery. The bill introduces definitions for 'covered establishments' which include restaurants offering same-day delivery through third-party platforms. It mandates that a minimum delivery assessment fee of $0.50 per order be applied, which will be collected by the third-party delivery service companies. This fee aims to help fund local transportation infrastructure impacted by these delivery services.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S2356 center on the implications of the imposed delivery fees. Supporters argue that the additional funds will alleviate the burdens on municipal budgets and help enhance local infrastructure that suffers from increased delivery traffic. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns over the financial burden that these fees could impose on consumers, potentially leading to increased prices for food deliveries. The balance between supporting local infrastructure and maintaining affordable access to food delivery services is likely to be a key debate as the bill progresses.