By Bob Katzen
The House approved and sent to the Senate a new version of legislation, originally sponsored by Gov. Maura Healey, that would prevent commercial drivers from losing their licenses due to passenger vehicle offenses they committed prior to September 30, 2005.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles recently notified hundreds of bus and truck drivers that they were ineligible for commercial licenses due to at least two past major offenses, blindsiding many motorists who for years thought their infractions were behind them.
“Over time, the relevance and predictive value of these older offenses has diminished, particularly for those drivers who have remained offense-free since,” said Healey. “In most circumstances, a commercial driver who meets the safety requirements of federal law should not be disqualified from driving due solely to passenger vehicle offenses that occurred 19 or more years ago. She noted her bill would remove consideration of pre-September 30, 2005 passenger vehicle offenses from our disqualification law, except for multiple instances of operating under the influence.
$3.2 MILLION FOR MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL COMMUNITIES – The Healey Administration announced the awarding of $3.2 million in grants for projects that proponents say will support the economic vitality, tourism and ecosystem health of the Bay State’s waterfront and harbors, while helping the state reach its ambitious climate resiliency goals.
“Coastal communities play a critical role in our economy,” said Gov. Healey. “The …. Grants help cities and towns make infrastructure improvements to prepare for extreme weather caused by climate change while also investing in important blue economy businesses, commercial fishing operations and tourist and recreational enterprises.”
“These investments will support a range of critical initiatives, from coastal resilience and dredging projects to pier infrastructure enhancements that protect our shorelines,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “By funding these efforts, we’re ensuring a safer and more enduring future for our coasts from the North Shore to the Cape and Islands.”
“Maritime communities are important centers of economic activity, drawing many visitors each year and supporting the coastal industries that have been integral to our state’s economy,” said Undersecretary of Economic Foundations Ashley Stolba. “We are proud to fund these projects and look forward to their lasting impact on the future generations of these towns.”