The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1388, aims to amend the existing law regarding manslaughter in the first degree by introducing new provisions related to violations of traffic laws concerning emergency vehicles. Specifically, the bill stipulates that if a person violates section 14-283b, which pertains to the requirement to move over for emergency vehicles, and this violation results in the death of the operator or any occupant of the emergency vehicle, it will be considered as circumstances that demonstrate an extreme indifference to human life. This addition is intended to enhance the legal consequences for individuals whose reckless behavior leads to such tragic outcomes.

The bill repeals the current language of section 53a-55 and substitutes it with the new provisions, which clarify that such violations will be treated with greater severity in manslaughter cases. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and reinforces the classification of manslaughter in the first degree as a class B felony. The overall purpose of the bill is to strengthen accountability for drivers who fail to adhere to laws designed to protect emergency responders and their occupants.

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