Very soon I will be introducing legislation to establish a Hit-and-Run Advisory Alert system, to be known as “Jay Alerts." This legislation aims to reduce hit-and-run accidents and enhance the swift identification and apprehension of drivers who flee the scene of accidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death.

This initiative is named in honor of my constituent, eight-year-old Jayanna “Jay” Powell, who tragically lost her life in November 2016 while walking home from school. The driver involved fled the scene and attempted to conceal his actions by having someone else take the vehicle to a repair shop. It was only after the shop owner saw a news report about the incident that the police were able to apprehend the suspect.

Under this proposed legislation, following a hit-and-run accident that results in serious injury or death, the investigating law enforcement agency will notify all vehicle repair facilities in Pennsylvania through a system developed by PennDOT. This alert will include critical information such as: To facilitate this notification system, all vehicle repair facilities will need to register with the Department to ensure accurate contact information.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this vital legislation, which aims to minimize the time between hit-and-run accidents and the apprehension of suspects. Formerly House Bill 2635 of 2023-2024.