The bill amends Section 23 of Chapter 90 of the General Laws to impose stricter penalties for individuals operating a motor vehicle while their license is suspended or revoked. It introduces new provisions that specify penalties for reckless or negligent driving that results in injury or death to another person under these circumstances. Specifically, individuals found guilty of such offenses may face incarceration in a house of correction or state prison, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the offense. The bill also establishes that repeat offenders will face harsher penalties, including longer incarceration terms and increased fines.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding the revocation of driving privileges, specifying that individuals convicted under these new provisions will have their licenses revoked for varying periods, from 60 days to life, depending on the severity of the offense. It also clarifies that certain legal protections, such as the ability to appeal or have prosecutions placed on file, do not apply to these cases. The bill further updates the language in Section 26 of Chapter 218 to include references to the new penalties established in the amended Section 23.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 90-23, 218-26