Post by Logan on Mar 30, 2016 12:08:29 GMT -6
Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation Wednesday repealing a 27-year-old law requiring a driver’s license suspension for those convicted of drug crimes, such as possession, that have nothing to do with driving.
Advocates say the suspensions have been a major impediment for former offenders trying to rebuild their lives. Without a license, it can be difficult to find work, take children to day care, and get to drug-treatment programs.
“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, in a statement.
The legislation, embraced by law enforcement, passed both the House and Senate unanimously. It is widely seen as the opening salvo in a broader push to overhaul the state’s criminal justice system. Other proposals, like repealing mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes, face some opposition.
Read more: www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/03/30/new-law-eliminates-license-suspension-for-many-drug-crimes/UjaDMhfqAaIBmuLEW4exLK/story.html
Advocates say the suspensions have been a major impediment for former offenders trying to rebuild their lives. Without a license, it can be difficult to find work, take children to day care, and get to drug-treatment programs.
“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, in a statement.
The legislation, embraced by law enforcement, passed both the House and Senate unanimously. It is widely seen as the opening salvo in a broader push to overhaul the state’s criminal justice system. Other proposals, like repealing mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes, face some opposition.
Read more: www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/03/30/new-law-eliminates-license-suspension-for-many-drug-crimes/UjaDMhfqAaIBmuLEW4exLK/story.html