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Bill

H 3619

Mediation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosalyn Henderson-Myers

Imposes higher fines for distracted driving and requires offenders to complete a behavior-change program approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · H 3619

Summary — H.3619 (House Bill No. 3619) — “Mediation” / Enhanced Training for Distracted Driving Offenders

Note: The official text for H.3619 principally amends distracted-driving penalties and requires offender training. A substantial portion of the packet (text referencing South Carolina §23‑23‑165 and mediation of law‑enforcement complaints) appears unrelated to this Massachusetts bill and is likely included in error; the summary below addresses the Massachusetts statutory change contained in the bill text.

Main purpose

To strengthen penalties for distracted driving violations and require persons convicted of distracted driving to complete a behavioral/educational program selected by the Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles intended to change driver behavior and attitudes about distracted driving.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 13B of Chapter 90 (Massachusetts General Laws) by replacing subsection (d).
  • Fine structure for violations of the distracted driving statute:
    • $100 for a first offense
    • $250 for a second offense
    • $500 for a third or subsequent offense
  • In addition to fines, an operator who commits an offense must complete a program selected by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles that “encourages a change in driver behavior and attitude about distracted driving.”
  • Explicitly provides that nothing in the subsection authorizes seizure or forfeiture of a hands‑free mobile telephone or mobile electronic device.

Who would be affected

  • Motor vehicle operators convicted of violating the distracted‑driving statute (subject to the new fine schedule and required program completion).
  • The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (Registrar) — responsible for selecting/approving the required education/behavior‑change program.
  • Courts and law enforcement agencies handling distracted‑driving citations (implementation of fines and referral to the Registrar’s program).
  • Providers of driver‑safety education or remediation programs (may be contracted/approved by the Registrar).

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

  • Prefiled: 12/12/2024
  • Introduced / read first time: 01/14/2025
  • Referred to Committee on Judiciary: 01/14/2025 (initial referral)
  • Referred to Committee on Transportation: 02/27/2025
  • Senate concurred: 02/27/2025 (as recorded)
  • Hearing scheduled: 11/04/2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM in A‑2
  • Current classification/status reported as: Referred to Committee on Judiciary

Implementation and fiscal considerations

  • The bill does not specify who pays for the required program (offender fee vs. state-funded), duration/content standards, or whether program completion is a condition of adjudication or affects license points/suspensions.
  • Potential fiscal impacts include modest increased fine revenue and administrative costs to the RMV to select/oversee programs; possible costs to offenders if programs carry fees. Those details would typically be addressed in implementing regulations or future amendments.

Related bill

  • HD 3725 is listed as a related/replacement bill.

If you want, I can:
- Draft a short bill‑analysis memo estimating likely administrative costs and enforcement questions; or
- Extract suggested follow‑up questions for the RMV/legislative committee (e.g., program cost, provider standards, compliance enforcement).

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

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