Bill > H1610

This bill modifies Massachusetts law regarding operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol by expanding the legal provisions related to chemical testing and driver's license suspension. The bill defines a new term, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), as a police officer who has completed specific training and certification, and updates the consent requirements for chemical testing when a driver is arrested for suspected impaired driving. Under the new provisions, drivers are considered to have consented to chemical tests of breath, blood, or evaluation by a DRE when arrested for driving under the influence. The bill also establishes more stringent license suspension penalties based on prior offenses, ranging from 180 days to a lifetime suspension of driving privileges. For individuals under 21 or with previous convictions, refusing a chemical test can result in a 3-year license suspension, with subsequent offenses potentially leading to 5-year or lifetime suspensions. The legislation aims to strengthen legal measures to deter impaired driving and provide law enforcement with additional tools to identify and penalize drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of intoxicating substances.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1610