The "Matthew O'Gara Act of 2026" amends Section 31-26-1 of the General Laws regarding the duty of drivers involved in accidents resulting in personal injury. The bill establishes that drivers must stop at the scene of an accident and remain there until they fulfill legal requirements. It introduces stricter penalties for failing to stop, including a mandatory license revocation of at least one year and not more than ten years, increased imprisonment terms of not less than eighteen months and not more than ten years, and a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000).

For more severe violations, such as those resulting in death, the act significantly enhances penalties. For a first offense resulting in death, the minimum prison sentence is increased to ten years, with fines starting at ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and a minimum license revocation period of ten years. The act also clarifies that these provisions apply to accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Overall, the bill aims to deter hit-and-run incidents by imposing harsher consequences for offenders.

Statutes affected:
2310: 31-26-1