The bill amends Alaska's law regarding the duties of an operator immediately after an accident, specifically under AS 28.35.060. It introduces new legal language that expands the penalties for failing to assist injured persons and for not rendering reasonable assistance. Under the amended law, a person who fails to assist an injured individual will be guilty of a class B felony, with penalties defined as per AS 12.55, replacing the previous maximum fine of $10,000. Additionally, a new subsection is added that classifies the failure to render reasonable assistance as a class A felony, carrying a presumptive prison sentence of seven to 11 years if the individual caused the death of another while operating a vehicle and is convicted of criminally negligent homicide.

The bill also clarifies that the existing provisions do not apply to individuals incapacitated by the accident, ensuring that those physically unable to comply with the requirements are not penalized. The amendments and new provisions will apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, thereby establishing a more stringent legal framework for operators involved in accidents.

Statutes affected:
SB0265A, AM SB 265, introduced 02/23/2026: 28.35.060, 11.41.130, 11.41.170