The bill seeks to amend various sections of the General Laws related to motor vehicle offenses, particularly those involving accidents and driving under the influence (DUI). It proposes to increase the penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident resulting in injury, serious bodily injury, or death. The amendments include raising the maximum imprisonment for accidents causing serious bodily injury from 10 to 15 years and mandating a license revocation of two to ten years. For accidents resulting in death, the minimum imprisonment is increased from two to five years, with a maximum of 30 years, and the license revocation period is raised to a minimum of five years, with the possibility of permanent revocation. The bill also redefines offenses related to driving so as to endanger, with increased penalties for resulting death or serious bodily injury, and clarifies the application of these laws to incidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists.

Regarding DUI offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury, the bill increases the severity of the penalties. For DUI resulting in death, the minimum prison sentence is now five years, with a maximum of 30 years, and the license revocation period is at least five years, up to permanent revocation. For DUI resulting in serious bodily injury, the maximum prison sentence is increased to 15 years, with a minimum of one year, and the license revocation period is set at a minimum of two years and a maximum of ten years. The bill removes specific penalties for repeat offenses within a five-year period, suggesting a standardized approach to penalties. The act is intended to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6028  SUB A: 31-26-1
6028: 31-26-1