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MCB staff say agency can inform on autonomous vehicles but cannot lobby; nonprofits fill advocacy role
Summary
Board discussion on Nov. 4 covered autonomous vehicles and MCB advocacy limits: staff noted MCB's prior informational work with manufacturers but said state employees cannot lobby, while nonprofits and consumer groups can testify and have influenced local council action.
Advisory board members pressed MCB staff on what the agency can do to support autonomous-vehicle technology for people who are blind and visually impaired. The exchange produced two clear points: MCB can provide information and host informational sessions, but it cannot lobby for legislation.
Nate said MCB previously led a project engaging autonomous-vehicle manufacturers and participated on public panels to emphasize accessibility needs. "We were able to really plug into a lot of the manufacturers that are developing them and trying to get them on the road," he said, and described the agencywork as informational.
On limits for state employees, staff and the commissioner said MCB can speak to legislators and provide factual information but cannot endorse or lobby for specific legislation or be accompanied by a lobbyist on behalf of a position. "We can inform, we can speak to individuals and inform them, but we cannot show that we are lobbying... we can't come down on a certain side or be accompanied by a lobbyist," a staff member said.
Board members noted that nonprofit advocacy made a measurable difference in a recent Boston City Council hearing. Commissioner John said disability organizations (Bay State, the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts and others) provided speakers who influenced council members and led to the ordinance being sent back for further conversation rather than an immediate vote.
The board discussed holding informational events with manufacturers ("Waymo" was mentioned as an example) and staff said MCB would consider hosting public informational sessions so consumers can learn about available technology without the agency endorsing a specific vendor.
What happens next: the commissioner said he will consult agency counsel about whether advisory council members can testify as private citizens when they also serve as advisors, and staff will note interest in informational sessions with manufacturers.
