District attorneys, state police and chiefs back tougher "Move Over" penalties, education and recognition for fallen officers

District Attorney Marion Ryan told the Joint Committee on Transportation she supports House Bill 3816, which would strengthen the state's Move Over law by raising fines, adding driver re‑education requirements and increasing penalties for repeat violations. "I don't wanna prosecute you because you struck somebody," Ryan said. "I want you to understand the danger you create and have you follow the law."

Ryan and a panel that included State Police Association representatives urged changes they say would protect officers, roadside first responders and workers. Trooper Luke Bonin, vice president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, described multiple instances of officers and others struck while stopped on roadways. "We need deterrence, and we would fully support a full education campaign to educate the public before it goes into force because we want voluntary compliance," he said.

Members of the law-enforcement community and families of fallen officers also urged ancillary measures included in the bill package. Michael Bradley, executive director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, told the committee H.3816 would create a Blue Star family license-plate program, establish a memorial fund and set up a statewide blue alert system for seriously injured or fallen officers. Tim King of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police said part of the higher penalties and registry fees would fund the Blue Star plates and the Law Enforcement Memorial.

Supporters said the measures also aim to extend legal protection to utility and disabled vehicles. Christina Hayman of AAA Northeast backed bills to expand the Move Over law to include utility and disabled vehicles, citing federal statistics on roadside deaths. She and other witnesses said a broader law would bring Massachusetts into alignment with recent changes in other states.

Panelists urged a combination of enforcement and education. Several witnesses, including DA Ryan and Trooper Bonin, cited the 2009 enactment of the Move Over requirement and said public awareness remains low: "It is shocking that Massachusetts, in 2009, took the position of adding this law … and yet, over 70% of people in Massachusetts still say that they don't know that's the law," Ryan said. Witnesses recommended higher fines for early offenses, mandatory education classes and making third offenses surchargeable.

No formal committee votes were recorded in the hearing testimony. Supporters asked the committee to report the bills favorably and to consider provisions that would fund memorial programs and education through penalty revenues.