The bill amends existing laws regarding the responsibilities and penalties for drivers involved in accidents resulting in personal injury, serious bodily injury, or death. It establishes a new section titled "Duty to stop in accidents resulting in personal injury," which mandates that drivers involved in such accidents must stop at the scene and remain until they fulfill legal requirements. The penalties for failing to stop or comply with these requirements have been significantly increased. For a first violation resulting in serious bodily injury, the potential prison sentence is increased to a minimum of five years and a maximum of thirty years, with a license revocation period of at least two years and not more than ten years. In cases resulting in death, the imprisonment can be for a minimum of five years and a maximum of thirty years, with similar license revocation terms.

Additionally, the bill introduces new sections addressing driving offenses that result in serious bodily injury or death while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The penalties for these offenses have also been heightened, with maximum imprisonment terms increased to thirty years and mandatory license revocation periods established for at least five years and potentially permanently. The legislation aims to create a more stringent legal framework for handling serious traffic offenses, emphasizing the importance of public safety by imposing stricter consequences for reckless driving behaviors that endanger others.

Statutes affected:
5638: 31-26-1