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H 3670

SC TRIO Day

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Todd Rutherford

Creates a new Massachusetts crime: fleeing police with reckless negligence/endangering the public, with up to 5 years in prison and a mandatory $250 head injury fund assessment.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 3670

Summary — H 3670

Note up front: the materials provided combine two distinct measures from different jurisdictions. One is a Massachusetts bill (filed as House Docket No. 333 / H.3670) that would create a new criminal offense addressing dangerous high‑speed pursuits. The other is a South Carolina ceremonial House resolution declaring “SC TRIO Day.” The summary below treats both items separately and then summarizes procedural status information included in the record.

A. Massachusetts: “An Act relative to dangerous high speed pursuits” (House Docket No. 333 / H.3670)

Main purpose

To create a new statutory offense penalizing motor vehicle operators who refuse to stop when signaled by a police officer and then drive negligently or recklessly with the intent to evade or elude, in a manner that endangers the public.

Key provisions

  • Adds new section 25A to Chapter 90 (Mass. General Laws).
  • Elements of the offense:
    • Operator refuses to stop when signaled by a police officer in uniform or displaying a badge conspicuously.
    • After refusing, the operator drives negligently or recklessly on any public way or any place where the public has access (invitees or licensees).
    • The operator acts with intent to evade or elude or otherwise avoid apprehension and endangers public life or safety.
  • Penalties:
    • State prison up to 5 years, or
    • Jail/house of correction up to 2.5 years, or
    • Fine up to $2,500, or any combination of fine and imprisonment.
  • Mandatory assessment:
    • A $250 assessment is imposed on anyone convicted of, placed on probation for, granted a continuance without a finding for, or who pleads guilty/admits to sufficient facts for violating this section.
    • Collected amounts are deposited monthly by the court with the state treasurer into the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund.
    • The assessment may not be reduced or waived by the court.

Who is affected

  • Motor vehicle operators who flee or attempt to elude police in Massachusetts.
  • Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors (charging standards, prosecutions).
  • Courts (mandatory collection and remittance of assessments).
  • The Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund (receives assessment revenue).

Potential impact

  • Establishes a specific criminal statute for dangerous high‑speed flight from police with defined penalties and a dedicated funding stream for head injury services.
  • May affect prosecutorial charging practices, police pursuit policies, and sentencing outcomes where elements (intent to evade, negligence/recklessness, endangerment) are at issue.

B. South Carolina: House Resolution — “SC TRIO Day”

Main purpose

A ceremonial resolution declaring Monday, September 30, 2024, as “SC TRIO Day in South Carolina” and commending SC TRIO programs for over 50 years of service expanding college access and support.

Key points

  • Recognizes TRIO Programs (federally funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act) for assisting low‑income and first‑generation college students with tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and financial guidance.
  • Commends SC TRIO for promoting awareness, education, advocacy, and student college readiness, access, and completion.
  • Resolves to present a copy of the resolution to named SC TRIO leaders (Ms. Ashley Glenn Robinson and Ms. Regina Hailey Smith).

Who is affected

  • Largely symbolic — honors TRIO staff, participants, and stakeholders in South Carolina. No regulatory or fiscal effect.

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

  • Massachusetts bill filing: House Docket No. 333 filed 01/08/2025; sponsor: Rep. Homar Gómez (2nd Hampshire).
  • Introduced and adopted: 01/15/2025 (this date appears tied to the resolution adoption entry).
  • Referred to the House Committee on Transportation: 02/27/2025.
  • Senate concurred: 02/27/2025 (record indicates concurrence).
  • Hearings scheduled/rescheduled for 10/21/2025 (various times/locations, including virtual).
  • Related bill: HD 333 (listed as replacing this measure).

Observations / Notes

  • The record as provided mixes a Massachusetts criminal law proposal and a South Carolina ceremonial resolution; they are separate measures serving different purposes in different states.
  • The Massachusetts measure would create a new criminal offense and mandatory assessment tied to a state trust fund; readers should confirm the current official bill text and status with the Massachusetts Legislature for final wording and any amendments.

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

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