Bill > S928

This bill proposes to amend Section 9 of Chapter 211D of the General Laws, which pertains to the collection of outstanding delinquent legal fees. Specifically, it adds a new subsection (j) that requires the clerk of the court to submit a quarterly report to MassHealth (a state program that provides health care coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families), the Department of Transitional Assistance (which provides financial and social services to low-income residents), and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This report will detail the amount of unresolved legal fees owed by individuals for whom legal counsel was appointed under this chapter. These unpaid fees will be considered financial benefits by MassHealth and the Department of Transitional Assistance, meaning they will be subject to repayment rules under existing laws. Furthermore, the RMV will be prohibited from issuing or renewing a driver's license or motor vehicle registration for any individual who owes these fees until the clerk of the court confirms that the fee has been settled.