Senate Bill No. 1388 proposes to amend the current 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 bill replaces the existing language in Section 53a-55 of the general statutes, which previously did not include this specific context, and introduces new legal language that states a violation of the "move over" law resulting in death constitutes circumstances evincing an extreme indifference to human life.

Under the new provisions, the penalty for this offense will escalate 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 is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to enhance the safety of emergency responders by holding drivers accountable for failing to adhere to the "move over" law. The fiscal impact of this legislation includes potential costs to the Department of Correction and the Judicial Department, as well as a possible revenue gain from fines associated with these violations.

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