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HD 5239

A communication from the Hampden District Attorney’s Office (see Section 24W(e) of Chapter 90 of the General Laws) submitting a report on its fiscal year 2025 Operating Under the Influence Deterrent Trust Fund (Melanie’s Law)

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Hampden District Attorney submits required fiscal year 2025 report on OUI penalty trust fund spending and program outcomes under Melanie's Law.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · HD 5239

Legislative bill overview

This bill is a procedural submission requiring the Hampden District Attorney's Office to report on the Operating Under the Influence Deterrent Trust Fund (established under Melanie's Law) for fiscal year 2025. The report details how funds collected from OUI-related penalties and fees are being allocated and used in the district.

Why is this important

Melanie's Law generates revenue through OUI convictions to fund drunk driving prevention, victim services, and treatment programs. This annual reporting requirement ensures transparency and accountability in how public safety funds derived from impaired driving cases are being spent in the Hampden District, allowing the legislature and public to assess whether the program's goals are being met.

Potential points of contention

  • Fund allocation effectiveness – Whether the trust fund dollars are achieving meaningful reductions in repeat OUI offenses or adequate victim support
  • Geographic equity – How funding is distributed across different judicial districts and whether some regions receive disproportionate resources
  • Program outcomes – Lack of specific performance metrics in mandatory reports may obscure whether prevention and treatment initiatives produce measurable results

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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