BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker says the repeal of a state law that automatically suspended the driver’s licenses of drug offenders for up to five years is a positive step forward.
Surrounded by Democratic leaders in the Legislature, the Republican governor on Wednesday signed a bill that ends the 27-year-old policy.
Critics said the automatic license suspensions — even for less serious crimes that had nothing to do with driving — were an obstacle to drug offenders trying to get jobs and turn their lives around.
Senate Majority Leader Harriette Chandler of Worcester said the new policy will immediately help about 7,000 people who have completed their sentences.
The bill also waives a $500 reinstatement fee that drug offenders had to pay to get their licenses back.
“As the Commonwealth takes important steps to battle substance abuse and reexamine our criminal justice system, I am pleased to sign legislation providing opportunities for those convicted of drug offenses and who have served their time to re-enter society, find and keep a job and support their families,” said Baker. “Removing this significant barrier to re-entry reduces the prospects of recidivism as individuals continue treatment or recovery and gives them a better chance at getting back on their feet. I thank Senate President Rosenberg, Speaker DeLeo and their colleagues for their leadership and important attention to this necessary reform.”
“We are proud to support this legislation that would ensure those who have paid their debts to society for drug offenses have the means to be productive citizens, capable of supporting themselves and their loved ones,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I’m proud of our administration’s efforts and collaboration with the legislature to counter opioid addiction, and ending the automatic license suspension is a reform that will help put people on a path that keeps them out of our criminal justice system.”
“By the Governor signing this bill today Massachusetts takes an important step towards reforming our criminal justice system. This bill repeals an ineffective and unfair law that made it harder for those who have paid for their mistakes to re-enter society,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “Approximately 7,000 people had their license suspended last year due to a drug conviction even if that conviction had nothing to do with the operation of a motor vehicle. That’s 7,000 people who cannot drive to their jobs and miss court dates and rehabilitation meetings, making it harder for them to rejoin their families and their communities. Thank you to Governor Baker, Speaker DeLeo, and Senate Majority Leader Harriette Chandler for their leadership on this issue.”
“We must seize every opportunity possible to help residents reintegrate into society, find fulfilling jobs and support their families,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “This legislation is an important part of that effort. I’m proud that this law also advances our efforts to help those battling addiction. I thank my colleagues in the Legislature, the Baker Administration and the individuals who bravely shared their stories.”
