If you live in Massachusetts, don’t labor under the misconception that you own your vehicle, or a boat or plane. Under a bill sponsored by a Democrat legislator, the Commonwealth would forbid you from adding a hidden compartment to secure your private property, such as a handgun, money or other valuables.
Designed as an alleged anti-drug law, the bill would punish those who add a hidden compartment after the vehicle is purchased with a two-year mandatory prison sentence, and five years for subsequent offenses.
Even worse, the law would empower police to seize the vehicle under civil forfeiture law. Lawmakers in support of the House bill claim it’s necessary to prosecute the war on drugs. State police officials have endorsed the bill as needed to discourage drug trafficking.
Learn how the bill lessens the burden of proof on the Commonwealth and effectively guts the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that protects citizens from unlawful searches and seizures. The disturbing details can be found on the next page.NEXT PAGE »
While laws like this if passed are ment to stop people from breaking the law. Its a opening to abuse others that are not. I travel so much for work. Hiding things is a must. I have never in my life tried drugs. That said. If your an adult and want to do drugs. Who are we to tell you you can not. Now if you do steal to get your drugs. You broke the law. Do drugs and drive. Do drugs while careing for a child. I think you get it.
It should not pass like that. Why not word it as using it to hide a crime. They just want to dunb down the system. Kind of like charging people with a dui while sleeping in the back seat with keys in pocket. Well he could have drove. You have enough true law breakers. Focus in them. You dont jave to be passing laws to pretend your doing your job. Do your job.
The key word is INTENT. If they can’t prove INTENT, then they don’t have a case…….
The peoples republic of taxachusetts
By the description of hidden compartment a magnetic spare key holder could put you in jail!
Let’s all hear it for $#%&!@*Massachusetts!”
How about just charging those with a secret compartment full of drugs and leave the lady hiding her purse alone! Communism at its best (worst)!
And what if you bought the car and you have no idea that it’s there? How can they prove beyond a reasonable doubt?
Good luck finding the hidden storage spots.
Big Brother will find you!