Thou Shalt Park Where the idea became a bill.
This is the template for everywhere else: a real bill filed through a constituent's right of free petition, a signature drive across North Shore and Greater Boston congregations, and a living directory that tells clergy exactly how to park free at nine hospitals today — every claim linked to its source.
hospitals mapped across Greater Boston & the North Shore
publish a real policy: MGH, BIDMC, and Salem's valet. The other six: call and ask
local legislators asked to file the bill by right of free petition
Filed by right of free petition
Massachusetts is one of the few states whose constitution guarantees an explicit right of free petition (Article XIX of the Declaration of Rights): any resident can ask their legislators to file a bill on their behalf. That's the door this effort walked through — a Marblehead constituent asking two local legislators to file the bill.
Rep. Jennifer Balinsky Armini
Massachusetts House — 8th Essex District (Marblehead, Swampscott, and the Diamond District of Lynn).
Sen. Brendan P. Crighton
Massachusetts Senate — 3rd Essex District.
The directory: how to park free at each hospital
Until the law passes, here's the ground truth for every hospital — the exact step where one exists, and who to call where it doesn't. Every card links to its source so you can verify it yourself.
Do this Every visit, in order
- Keep your ticket. Take it on entry — validation happens on exit.
- Show your credentials. Clergy ID, a business card, clerical attire.
- Say you're visiting clergy — to the attendant, cashier, or office.
- Sign the log if asked. Know the patient's building & room.
- First time? Call ahead. One call to Spiritual Care sets it up.
For pastoral visits to patients — not personal medical appointments.
Hospital publishes an official parking policy No published policy — you call and ask
Set it up once, park free for good
The smoothest path is a standing arrangement: contact each Spiritual Care office once so your clergy never have to negotiate at the garage. Each card's Email button opens a ready-to-send message — just fill in your name and parish. Where an office doesn't publish an email, Copy message gives you the same note to send after you reach them by phone.