Massachusetts State Senate President Harriette Chandler Illegally Parking In A Handicapped Spot?

Massachusetts State Senate President Harriette Chandler appearing to park illegally in a handicapped spot in front of the Bed Bath & Beyond store Auburn Massachusetts.

With no handicapped placard in view Ms. Chandler seemed unaware that people are always watching and notice things like this.

On November 27^th 2017 Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker signed into law new legislation that increases the current penalties for fraudulent use of disability parking credentials. Joined by members of the Senate, House, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Inspector General, as well as representatives from the Massachusetts Office on Disability, the new legislation aims to protect those who truly need accessible parking.

The new law amends Chapter 90 in Sections 2 and 24B, and includes the following key provisions:

• Prohibits the use of a disability plate or placard by someone using the name of a deceased person.  An individual using a decedent’s placard or plate will be fined $500.00 for a first offense and $1000.00 for a second or subsequent offense;
• Increases the license suspension for a person who wrongfully displays a disability plate or placard from 30 days to 60 days for a first such offense;
• Increases the license suspension for a person who wrongfully displays a disability plate or placard from 90 days to 120 days for a second offense;
• Provides that anyone who obstructs the number or expiration date of a disability placard or otherwise makes its visibility unclear will be fined $50.00;
• Amends Chapter 90, section 24B to impose criminal penalties for forging, stealing or counterfeiting a special parking identification placard; and
• Allows the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to refuse to process applications for disability plates or placards if the applicant does not provide documentation or information required by the Registrar to verify the information contained within the application.

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) provides training and technical assistance around these and other disability parking regulations.

(Source: Massachusetts Office On Disability Blog)

Senator Harriette Chandler recently was noticed parked in a handicapped spot without a placard at a fundraiser For Congressman Jim McGovern at White Eagle Green Street public parking Worcester Massachusetts as  well.

I guess when you make the kind of money they do the fines are just a pittance but to regular folks it may be life changing when you consider the fine, days without a license and the reinstatement fees from the loss of license.

Photo Sources: Facebook Screen Grab