Senate Bill No. 1388 proposes to amend the existing law regarding the "move over" law, increasing the penalty for violations that result in the death of an emergency vehicle's operator or occupant. Specifically, the bill redefines such violations as first-degree manslaughter, classifying them as circumstances that demonstrate an extreme indifference to human life. The penalty for this offense is elevated from a fine of up to $10,000 to a class B felony, which carries a potential fine of up to $15,000 and a prison sentence of up to 20 years, including a mandatory minimum of one year. The bill also repeals the previous language in Section 53a-55 and substitutes it with the new provisions, effective October 1, 2025.

The bill aims to enhance public safety by holding drivers accountable for failing to adhere to the "move over" law, which requires them to slow down and, when safe, change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles. By establishing a more severe legal consequence for such violations, the legislation seeks to deter reckless behavior that endangers the lives of emergency responders. The fiscal impact of this bill includes potential costs to the Department of Correction and the Judicial Department for incarceration or probation, as well as a potential revenue gain from fines imposed on offenders.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable:
File No. 726: