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H 1707

An Act relative to the reckless evasion of a police officer

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Galvin

Massachusetts bill criminalizes reckless police evasion, establishing penalties for dangerous flight from law enforcement to reduce public safety risks during pursuits.

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 1707

Legislative bill overview

H 1707 creates a new criminal offense in Massachusetts specifically targeting the reckless evasion of police officers during traffic stops or pursuit situations. The bill defines conduct that constitutes "reckless evasion" and establishes penalties for individuals who attempt to flee from law enforcement in ways that endanger public safety.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses a specific gap in Massachusetts criminal law by creating a dedicated statute for high-speed pursuits and evasion attempts, which pose significant public safety risks to officers, suspects, and bystanders. The bill allows prosecutors to charge dangerous driving behaviors that endanger lives even when they don't result in accidents or injuries, potentially reducing serious chase-related incidents.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and subjectivity: The definition of "reckless" may be subject to interpretation, potentially leading to inconsistent application across different jurisdictions and police departments
  • Due process concerns: Civil rights advocates may argue the law could disproportionately impact certain communities or be used to justify aggressive policing tactics during traffic interactions
  • Penalty severity: Questions remain about whether the proposed penalties are proportionate and how this charge interacts with existing traffic and fleeing laws

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

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