House Bill 1521, also known as the "James Bardsley Life Protection Act," amends existing Tennessee law regarding penalties for leaving the scene of an accident. The bill reclassifies the severity of offenses related to such incidents. Specifically, it establishes that a violation of the relevant subsection is classified as a Class E felony, while failing to stop or comply with the requirements after an accident that results in death is classified as a Class D felony if the individual knew or should have reasonably known about the fatality.

The amendments involve the deletion of previous classifications and the insertion of new legal language that clarifies the penalties associated with these offenses. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the state's commitment to enhancing public safety and accountability in traffic-related incidents.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-10-101(b)(1), 55-10-101, 55-10-101(b)(2)(A)