Middlesex Sheriff, AG, Want to Change Driver's License Suspension Law

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By CHARLENE ARSENAULT (Patch Staff)

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian joins some lawmakers, and the attorney general, in arguing that a law that strips an individual of his or her license automatically after a drug offense should be repealed.

Sheriff Koutoujian testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation on Thursday, July 23, in support of an cct relative to motor vehicle suspension, said the announcement.

In Massachusetts, for more than two decades, a driver’s licenses has been suspended for anyone convicted of a drug offense. That suspension can last for up to five years a reinstatement fees can cost a minimum of $500.

“As Sheriff, one of my primary goals is to ensure the successful re-entry of individuals back to the community,” said Sheriff Koutoujian in a statement. “The existing license suspension rules are a significant barrier to re-entry.”

The legislation proposed by Senator Hariette Chandler and Representative Elizabeth Malia would not change the license suspension rules for those convicted of operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Sheriff Koutoujian, during his testimony, discussed how lack of access to a driver’s license is a barrier to employment and housing opportunities.

“The current practice impacts approximately 7,000 individuals per year in Massachusetts and only about 2,500 individuals per year can afford the expensive reinstatement fee,” said the Sheriff in a statement. “Needless to say, without a driver’s license individuals re-entering the community will have a harder time securing employment. Without a license, individuals will also struggle to find housing and access the health care they need because they lack transportation, thus perpetuating the cycle of recidivism.”

Attorney General Maura Healey also appeared before the Joint Committee calling for a repeal of the law, reported the Boston Globe.