Chaired by Representative Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee) and Senator Steven Baddour (D-Methuen), the Transportation Committee redrafted the bill. H3287, which follows a proposal originally filed by Senator Brian Joyce (D-Milton) that would have required driver retesting at age 85, lowers the threshold to age 75.

However, the Committee chose to shelve the idea to require mandatory road testing for older drivers, instead opting for cognitive and physical testing to be conducted by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The details of such tests are not spelled out in the bill, but rather left to the Registry to develop in consultation with a medical advisory panel. If a driver were to fail the cognitive test, they would then be granted a road test.

H3287 was sent to the House Committee on Ways and Means, where it was expected to move to the House floor for a vote sometime in October. The bill would then be sent to the Senate for further action.

“This bill is probably going to be tweaked or changed a bit as it goes through the legislative process,” said Rep. Wagner. “This is a starting point, but I think it is a reasonably strong point.”

“Lawmakers speak softly about this bill, knowing the voting power of seniors,” says Association President Ralph White. “In general, most legislators say the bill is a work in progress and will likely be modified before it reaches both chambers for a final vote.

“The reaction of the seniors hasn’t been felt yet. But when the phone calls and emails start pouring in (from the districts), they can be quite effective.”