Bill > H1936

This bill modifies Massachusetts law regarding driving offenses while under a non-administrative license suspension, creating more stringent penalties for drivers who operate a vehicle while ineligible for a license and cause injury or death. The bill establishes three new graduated levels of criminal punishment based on the severity of harm caused: if a driver causes injury to another person, they can be imprisoned up to 2½ years or fined up to $1,000; if serious bodily injury occurs, the penalty increases to up to 2½ years in a house of correction or 5 years in state prison, with fines up to $3,000; and if the operation results in another person's death, the penalties escalate to up to 2½ years in a house of correction or 10 years in state prison, with fines up to $5,000. For repeat offenders, the penalties become even more severe, with potential imprisonment ranging from 5 to 15 years. Additionally, the bill mandates that these prosecutions cannot be filed or continued without a finding, and requires the registry to revoke the offender's license for periods ranging from 1 year to life, depending on the severity of the offense. The bill also makes consequential amendments to adjust references in related sections of Massachusetts law to accommodate these new provisions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1936