Two pieces of legislation filed by Massachusetts Rep. will hand out stiffer penalties for assaults on officers, drag racing

BOSTON, MA. – In response to the recent surge of violent attacks against law enforcement officers and growing public disorder across Massachusetts, State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R–Barnstable) filed two major public safety bills aimed at strengthening accountability, protecting police officers, and restoring respect for law and order throughout the Commonwealth.

Xiarhos is a member of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and was previously in law enforcement.

Xiarhos’ Office states that the first bill, HD5223, titled An Act relative to penalties for assault and battery on a police officer, seeks to make assault and battery upon a police officer a felony offense, punishable by up to 5 years in state prison or up to 2½ years in a house of correction. The bill also prohibits suspended sentences or early release until a minimum of 90 days is served.

“The men and women who wear the badge put their lives on the line every single day,” said Representative Xiarhos. “As a former police officer, Deputy Chief, and as the proud father and father-in-law of two current police officers. I know the risks they face and the sacrifices their families make. When an officer is assaulted, it is not just an attack on one person; it’s an attack on public safety, on our laws, and on the values that hold our communities together. This bill makes it clear that those who harm police officers will be held fully accountable.”

A second filing, HD5222, An Act relative to racing on public ways and penalties for unlawful motor vehicle competitions, comes in response to the recent string of street takeovers that have occurred across the state. The bill targets dangerous street racing and reckless driving events that are becoming increasingly common by establishing strict penalties for organizers, participants, and even spectators of illegal races. The bill authorizes law enforcement to impound and, in repeat cases, forfeit vehicles used in these crimes.

“Reckless street racing isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a threat to everyone’s safety,” Xiarhos said. “We’ve seen people seriously hurt and even killed by these dangerous acts and events. This legislation gives police the tools they need to crack down on offenders and to stop these events before they happen to make our roads safer for law-abiding citizens.”

“Public safety must be the top priority of government,” Xiarhos added. “Our officers deserve to come home safely at the end of every shift. Their families deserve to know they’ll be protected. And the people of Massachusetts deserve safe streets, safe neighborhoods, and respect for the rule of law once again.”