Senate Bill 1678 amends Tennessee law regarding hit and run incidents, specifically addressing the penalties for individuals who fail to stop after an accident that results in death. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-10-101(b)(2)(A), by replacing the existing language with a new provision that classifies such an offense as a Class E felony. Under the new law, individuals who do not stop or comply with legal requirements after knowing or reasonably suspecting that death has occurred due to the accident will face a minimum confinement of one year and a fine of at least $10,000.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. This legislative change aims to enhance accountability for drivers involved in fatal accidents and to deter hit and run behavior by imposing stricter penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-10-101(b)(2)(A), 55-10-101