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HD 2487

An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 18 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill prohibits suspending driver's licenses for non-traffic debts, removing license suspension as a debt collection tool for court fines and child support.

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Bill Summary · HD 2487

Legislative bill overview

HD 2487 would prohibit the suspension or revocation of driver's licenses based solely on unpaid debts unrelated to driving safety (such as court fines, child support, or other civil judgments). The bill aims to decouple licensing from debt collection by restricting license suspensions to violations directly involving traffic safety and vehicle operation.

Why is this important

License suspensions for debt create a cycle where people lose income-generating ability when unable to drive to work, making debt repayment harder. This particularly affects low-income individuals and creates disparities in enforcement. Approximately 4.3 million Americans have suspended licenses due to unpaid debts rather than driving violations.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Courts and municipalities use license suspension as a debt collection tool; removing this mechanism may reduce compliance with financial judgments and create budget shortfalls
  • Child support enforcement: Restricting suspension powers for unpaid child support may reduce collections, though targeted alternatives exist
  • Public safety concerns: Some argue license restrictions serve broader accountability purposes beyond debt collection mechanics
  • Alternative enforcement: Determining which debt collection mechanisms replace suspensions raises implementation questions about effectiveness and cost

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

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