Bill > S936

This bill, concerning habitual drunk drivers, proposes several changes to Massachusetts General Laws, primarily Chapter 90, which deals with motor vehicles. It increases fines for certain offenses related to operating a vehicle under the influence, specifically doubling them from $500 to $1,000 and from $1,000 to $2,000 in two instances within Section 12. More significantly, it introduces stricter penalties for repeat offenders and those who drive after their license has been revoked for life. For individuals with prior convictions or program assignments related to alcohol or substance abuse, the bill mandates a minimum fine of $5,000 and imprisonment ranging from 2 to 5 years, with no possibility of suspension, probation, parole, or good conduct deductions until at least 2.5 years are served, except for emergency medical needs or work release programs. Furthermore, it establishes severe penalties for driving with a lifetime revocation, imposing a minimum fine of $5,000 and 1 to 5 years imprisonment, or a minimum fine of $10,000 and 3 to 10 years imprisonment for driving under the influence while under such a revocation. These sentences also come with strict limitations on suspension, probation, parole, and good conduct deductions, requiring at least 5 years to be served, with similar exceptions for medical emergencies or work release. Finally, the bill amends Section 24 of Chapter 90 by changing the word "five" to "ten" in a specific line, likely increasing a penalty or limit related to operating under the influence offenses.