Senate Bill 1678, also known as House Bill 1819, amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding hit and run offenses. The bill specifically modifies Section 55-10-101(b)(2)(A) by deleting the existing language and substituting it with new provisions that classify the failure to stop or comply with legal requirements after an accident resulting in death as a Class E felony. The new language stipulates that if a person knew or should have reasonably known that death resulted from the accident, they will face a minimum punishment of one year of confinement 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 penalties for individuals involved in hit and run incidents that result in fatalities, thereby promoting accountability and public safety on the roads.

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