Bill allows police to confiscate cars

WWLP TV

Updated: Feb 17, 2012 8:04 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — The State House of Representatives has passed a bill that gives police additional authority to confiscate your car.

Folks better pay their excise tax bill because any outstanding dues may soon land your car in the pound.

The House passed a bill unanimously approved by the Springfield City Council and supported by Mayor Domenic Sarno. The bill will allow the Springfield police to seize a car that has outstanding excise taxes due.

City Councilor Timothy Rook said police already have the authority to seize a car with unpaid parking tickets. He said it makes sense to apply the same authority to unpaid excise taxes, which amount to $7 million in lost revenue. “Realistically we'll probably collect half of that. So it's a $3.5 million dollar boom for the City of Springfield during probably one of the most difficult fiscal years that we're going to be facing.”

Rep. Sean Curran of Springfield told 22News, “I think it has a great shot of passing. You know we've been lobbying for this bill for well over a year and I think the sentiment is if you didn't pay your excise taxes, you should have to pay up.

The bill has to be approved by the Senate and governor before it becomes law.

If the governor signs the bill, Councilor Rook said people will be notified within 90 days to pay their excise taxes before their car is subject to seizure.

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