SENATE DOCKET, NO. 345        FILED ON: 1/12/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Patrick M. O'Connor

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying resolve:

Resolve establishing a special commission to investigate and study the protection of junior operators.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 345        FILED ON: 1/12/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 2283 OF 2023-2024.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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Resolve establishing a special commission to investigate and study the protection of junior operators.

Resolved, there is hereby established a special commission to study laws and regulations relevant to junior operator licenses and vehicle safety for minors with the goal of increasing driver safety and reducing instances of traffic fatalities. Topics of consideration shall include, but not be limited to, (i) further deterrents from operating a vehicle unlawfully, (ii) prohibiting junior operators from carrying passengers in vehicles, (iii) increasing penalties for roadway violations, (iv) additional driver’s education and training hours, and (v) continuing education for junior

The special commission shall consist of: the secretary of the executive office of public safety and security, or their designee, who shall serve as chair; the secretary of the department of transportation, or their designee; the registrar of motor vehicles, or their designee; the president of the senate, or their designee; the minority leader of the senate, or their designee; the speaker of the house of representatives, or their designee; the minority leader of the house of representatives, or their designee; and an instructor of a drivers education program, to be appointed by the Governor.

The commission shall report their findings, along with any recommendations for legislation, to the chairs of the joint committee on public safety and homeland security no later than December 1, 2026.