SENATE DOCKET, NO. 513        FILED ON: 1/13/2009

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1900

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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Resolve An Act relative to driver impairment..

Resolved, that the automobile is typically the most important method of transportation for adults in the Commonwealth, a license to operate and the ability to drive often is a key element in maintaining independence. However, individual driving must be balanced with public safety. A range of medical problems can affect the ability of adults to drive safely; cognitive impairment plays an increasingly important role in ones ability to operate a motor vehicle, other medical conditions, visual problems, motor problems, flexibility limitations contribute to a persons ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. 

Therefore a special commission is hereby established for the purpose of making an investigation and study into current laws and regulations relative to the right to have a license to operate and how cognitive impairment may affect that right to operate. Said commission shall consist of 3 members of the Senate appointed by the Senate President; 3 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House; the Registrar of Motor Vehicles or their designee; the Secretary of Elder Affairs or their designee; 2 persons to be appointed by the governor 1 of whom shall be a representative of AARP of Massachusetts, and one of whom shall be a consumer, a resident of the commonwealth of driving age and holding a valid drivers license;  2 persons to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, one of whom shall be a member of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society specializing in Geriatric psychiatry, one of whom shall be a member for the Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy; 2 persons appointed by the President of the Senate one of whom shall be a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society specializing in brain injuries and one of whom shall represent the auto insurance industry.

Said commissions investigation and review shall include but not be limited to the following:

Who may report to the to the registry of motor vehicles a drivers impairment; What format and information must that  communication include and recommendations to  protect the reporter from civil liability;

Development of programs within the registry to evaluate the impaired driver including standards of what is an adequate evaluation;  formation of multidisciplinary teams of psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, OT, neurologist, social worker, and driving instructor to assist in the development of standards as well as in the conducting of the evaluation;  

Auto insurance discounts to senior drivers; Dissemination and availability of alternative means of transportation for seniors;               Driver reeducation programs cost, availability or discounts;               Driving rehabilitation specialists, cost and availability;              Health or auto insurance reimbursement for driver reeducation or rehabilitation programs;              Process and testing for certain drivers before renewal of a license including online and length of renewal.

SECTION 2. Said Commission may consult with any experts it deems necessary particularly neuropsychologists, driving rehabilitation specialists, physicians, social workers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists

Said commission shall make its recommendation in the form of legislation no later than December 31, 2007 and shall file such with the clerk of the Senate and the clerk of the House.