An Act relative to court filing fees
This bill amends procedures for handling traffic infractions in Massachusetts, specifically changing how violators can contest citations. It requires drivers who receive traffic citations to request a noncriminal hearing within 20 days by signing and mailing the citation to the registrar, or they lose the right to a hearing unless the registrar grants "good cause" for the delay. If a hearing occurs, it must be conducted by a magistrate or justice using a preponderance of evidence standard (not criminal "beyond a reasonable doubt"), with no jury trial allowed. The bill establishes a uniform process for imposing and collecting assessments (not filing fees, despite the title) after a hearing, including automatic payment stays during appeals. It directly affects traffic violators, court staff (registrar, clerk-magistrate), and police agencies handling citations.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025
Last action Mar 26, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Todd Smola
RRepublican
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