Policy | 2019 and 2020

Real Legislation | Real Reform

Yes, bipartisan criminal justice reform is possible.

In one of the most polarized topical areas of the political field, HUBS took the initiative to instigate meaningful, practical, and targeted amendments to the criminal justice system in Massachusetts, Harvard’s home.

 Like many states, Massachusetts currently institutes the practice of suspending the driver’s licenses of individuals who have outstanding debt due to court proceedings or legal fees, regardless of conviction status. The policy indubitably disadvantages lower-income and minority citizens whose right to drive currently hinges on their ability to pay.

2019 and early 2020 saw HUBS author and initiate talks to adopt an amendment to current Massachusetts legislation that mandates license suspensions for failure-to-play. In partnership with State Senator Patrick O’Connor, we were able to get our bill into the Massachusetts State House and Senate, where it currently awaits final deliberation.

View our bill, as it currently stands, below.

Take a look at our research and brief below.

Don’t want to read through all 27 pages of white-paper? We’ve got you covered.

Below, you’ll find a national and truly bipartisan initiative, supported by our partner Free to Drive, aiming to secure drivers’ rights regardless of income or ability-to-pay.

HUBS is listed as Free to Drive’s lead conjunctive organization in Massachusetts.