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HD 333

An Act relative to dangerous high speed pursuits

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Homar Gomez

Creates criminal penalties for refusing to stop and evading police in a negligent or reckless high-speed drive, with a $250 court-ordered assessment funding head injury services.

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Bill Summary · HD 333

Summary: An Act relative to dangerous high speed pursuits (House Docket No. 333)

Overview

  • Introduced in the 2025-2026 Massachusetts General Court as House Bill No. 333, filed January 8, 2025 and presented by Representative Homar Gómez (2nd Hampshire).
  • The bill would add a new section to Chapter 90 of the General Laws (immediately after section 25), creating Section 25A to address dangerous high-speed pursuits.
  • It targets motorists who refuse to stop for a police officer and proceed in a manner that endangers the public, with the stated intent to evade apprehension.

Purpose and intent

  • To deter and penalize high-speed evasion from law enforcement.
  • To establish clear criminal penalties for refusing to stop and for operating a vehicle negligently or recklessly when trying to evade a uniformed officer.
  • To fund public safety-related health services through a dedicated assessment.

Key provisions

  • Creation of new Section 25A in Chapter 90:
    • offense: A person who, while operating or in charge of a motor vehicle, refuses to stop after being signaled by a police officer (uniformed or badge displayed conspicuously on outer clothing) and then drives in a negligent or reckless manner on public or publicly accessible property so as to endanger lives or safety, with the intent to evade apprehension, commits a criminal violation.
    • penalties: Imprisonment in the state prison for up to 5 years, or imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for up to 2.5 years, or a fine up to $2,500, or both.
    • assessment: A $250 assessment applicable upon conviction, probation, a continuance without a finding, a guilty plea, or admission to sufficient facts.
    • funding: The $250 assessed amount is deposited monthly with the state treasurer and allocated to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund.
    • non-waivability: The assessment cannot be reduced or waived by the court for any reason.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals who refuse to stop for police during traffic stops or pursuits and who subsequently drive negligently or recklessly, endangering the public.
  • Courts imposing penalties and assessments in cases pursuing this section.
  • The Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, which would receive ongoing deposits from the statutory assessment.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Status: Introduced in the 2025-2026 session; exact status not stated in the provided text.
  • The bill is a proposed amendment to existing law (Chapter 90) and would take effect as provided by general enactment rules (no explicit effective date included in the text excerpt).
  • It references a related measure previously filed in a prior session (House No. 3281, 2023-2024).

Potential impact (high level)

  • Strengthens penalties for dangerous high-speed pursuits and explicit evasion of law enforcement.
  • Establishes a dedicated funding stream for Head Injury Treatment Services through the mandatory assessment.
  • Could influence police pursuit policies by providing statutory penalties tied to fleeing scenarios; may raise considerations about enforcement discretion and civil liberties, though the text aims to deter dangerous behavior and protect public safety.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to current law on evading police or pull in related policy considerations from Massachusetts precedent.

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

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