Senate Bill 1602 and House Bill 1967 propose amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident. The bill reclassifies the violation of subsection (a) from its current status to a Class E felony. Additionally, it establishes that if a person fails to stop or comply with the requirements of subsection (a) and is aware or should reasonably be aware that the accident resulted in death, this offense will be classified as a Class D felony.

The changes aim to strengthen the legal consequences for individuals who leave the scene of an accident, particularly in cases involving fatalities. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, contingent upon the public welfare.

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