By Bob Katzen

On February 22, 2024, the House gave initial approval to a proposal that would allow cities and towns to increase the current $300 maximum fine for parking illegally in a parking space reserved for persons with disabilities. That $300 fine is set by the state and goes into the municipalities’ General Fund. The measure would allow cities and towns to impose an additional $450 fine – making the total fine $750. The additional $450 would be placed into a specialized local account to be used for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades in the city or town where the violation occurred. The original $300 fine would still go into the community’s General Fund.

 

  Supporters said that across the state, cities and towns have plans to make their communities more accessible but oftentimes a lack of funding prevents them from enacting their plans. They noted that this bill allows them to place some of the financial burden on the backs of those who violate the laws that exist to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

 

   Sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Athol) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him if he thinks BTR is violating House rules by holding up the measureand if he would move to discharge his bill from the committee.