S 2227 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to end debt-based driving restrictions and remove economic roadblocks

This bill aims to stop the practice of suspending driver's licenses or vehicle registrations solely because a person owes money for unpaid parking tickets. It directly affects drivers in Massachusetts who might otherwise lose their ability to drive due to financial hardship rather than dangerous behavior. The law requires parking authorities to send text messages and emails to remind drivers about unpaid fines and explains how they can request a fee reduction based on their financial situation. Additionally, the bill removes the legal basis for using unpaid parking debt to block license renewals and ensures that proof of payment or a granted hardship waiver is accepted to clear a driver's record.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Mar 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 28, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Mar 28, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Transportation
upper
1 primary · 17 co-sponsors

Sponsors