The proposed bill, known as Aspen Runnels' Law, seeks to strengthen penalties for vehicular assault and vehicular homicide in active school zones. It introduces provisions that allow courts to impose doubled fines for specific traffic violations occurring in these areas, particularly for reckless operation and speeding offenses that result in death or unlawful termination of pregnancy. The bill amends existing laws to clarify the circumstances under which offenses in active school zones will be treated more severely, including the requirement that the victim must be present in the school zone at the time of the offense. It also establishes mandatory prison terms and license suspensions for offenders, aiming to enhance safety and deter reckless driving behaviors that could endanger students and pedestrians.

Additionally, the bill expands definitions and penalties related to serious physical harm in construction and active school zones, emphasizing the need for proper signage in these areas. It mandates that individuals whose licenses are suspended due to offenses in active school zones must complete a remedial driving course and provide proof of financial responsibility before regaining their driving privileges. The legislation also introduces new definitions for "active school zone" and "construction zone," ensuring that penalties are enforced only when appropriate signage is present. Overall, the bill aims to improve road safety, particularly in sensitive areas like school zones, by imposing stricter penalties and requiring educational measures for offenders.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.06, 2903.08, 2903.081, 4511.01, 4511.132, 4511.20, 4511.202, 4511.204, 4511.205, 4511.21, 4511.25, 4511.251, 4511.26, 4511.27, 4511.28, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31, 4511.32, 4511.33, 4511.34, 4511.35, 4511.36, 4511.37, 4511.38, 4511.39, 4511.41, 4511.42, 4511.43, 4511.431, 4511.44, 4511.441, 4511.46, 4511.54, 4511.60, 4511.711, 4511.712, 5501.27
As Reported By House Committee: 2903.06, 2903.08, 2903.081, 4511.01, 4511.132, 4511.20, 4511.202, 4511.204, 4511.205, 4511.21, 4511.25, 4511.251, 4511.26, 4511.27, 4511.28, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31, 4511.32, 4511.33, 4511.34, 4511.35, 4511.36, 4511.37, 4511.38, 4511.39, 4511.41, 4511.42, 4511.43, 4511.431, 4511.44, 4511.441, 4511.46, 4511.54, 4511.60, 4511.711, 4511.712, 5501.27
As Passed By House: 2903.06, 2903.08, 2903.081, 4511.01, 4511.132, 4511.20, 4511.202, 4511.204, 4511.205, 4511.21, 4511.25, 4511.251, 4511.26, 4511.27, 4511.28, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31, 4511.32, 4511.33, 4511.34, 4511.35, 4511.36, 4511.37, 4511.38, 4511.39, 4511.41, 4511.42, 4511.43, 4511.431, 4511.44, 4511.441, 4511.46, 4511.54, 4511.60, 4511.711, 4511.712, 5501.27