GREENFIELD — A state law passed in 1989 that automatically suspends a drug offender’s drivers license, even if the offense had nothing to do with driving, has moved one step closer to repeal.

A legislative conference committee on Tuesday reached an agreement that would eliminate the automatic suspension of driver’s license for most drug crimes, but still preserve the option for those convicted of trafficking illegal drugs other than marijuana — a provision supported by House Republicans. Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to sign the bill.

Officials have called the law an ineffective “remnant of the war on drugs” that leads to higher recidivism rates. The deal took nearly three months to hammer out.

Locally, Greenfield Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr. said he supports both repealing the law as it stands and maintaining the option for trafficking offenses.

“(I) agree with the removal of the suspension of a driver’s license which has nothing to do with a driving offense,” he said. “This certainly can lead to additional charges down the road, if they were to be pulled over for a suspended license and subsequently arrested.”

Haigh said being able to maintain a valid license may help people who are trying to get clean through treatment, which may require travel.

“Certainly … operation of a motor vehicle with narcotics involved should still carry a penalty for loss of license,” he said. “I would go so far to say this is for distribution as well. If you are using a vehicle to distribute, transport or collect illegal narcotics then your ability to operate should not be allowed, and thus have your license suspended.”

Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan praised the repeal, calling it “long overdue.”

“Repealing the revocation of driver’s license for drug offenses is a long overdue and positive step forward. The existing license revocation scheme has been a major deterrent in defendants getting to essential treatment and recovery meetings and returning to gainful employment,” he said in an email. “Eliminating license loss and high reinstatement fees will allow addicted persons get on the road to recovery.”

When the two legislative chambers originally passed their versions of the bill in January, other local officials working to fight the addiction epidemic supported the repeal, generally for the same reasons.

You can reach Tom Relihan at:
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