This bill proposes amendments to current law regarding accidents resulting in personal injury, driving so as to endanger, and penalties for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

First, the bill adds a new section that requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury, serious bodily injury, or death to immediately stop at the scene and fulfill certain requirements. Failure to do so can result in a mandatory loss of license for up to five years, imprisonment for up to five years, and a fine of up to $5,000. The bill also increases penalties for failing to stop or comply with requirements in accidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death, including longer license revocation periods, increased imprisonment terms, and higher fines. These provisions also apply to accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists.

Second, the bill amends current law regarding driving so as to endanger, increasing the maximum imprisonment term from ten years to thirty years and revoking the person's license for at least five years, with the possibility of permanent revocation. The bill also defines "serious bodily injury" as physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of bodily function.

Lastly, the bill proposes to increase the minimum and maximum prison sentences, fines, and license revocation periods for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The bill also requires the completion of alcohol or drug treatment programs for those convicted of these offenses.

Statutes affected:
737: 31-26-1