Editorial Archives Legislation introduced in the Maine Legislature would deal drastically with habitual offenders who continue to drive after their licenses have been revoked.
Drastic situations require drastic action.
LD272, which has been referred to the Criminal Justice Committee, was introduced by State Rep. Thomas Bull, a Freeport Democrat. It would empower law enforcement officials to seize the vehicle a habitual offender is operating when he or she is arrested. Bull isn't limiting seizure to vehicles owned by the offender, saying people should be aware of a person's driving record before allowing that driver to operate their vehicle. The specifics of the bill will be written as it goes through the legislative process, but Bull sees his proposal as reflecting federal drug legislation that allows law enforcement officials to confiscate things used in or purchased by money gained from dealing in drugs. Bull sees the seized vehicles being sold at auction, with the funds returning to the department that made the original arrest.