H4395
An Act increasing penalties for hit and runs with recreational vehicles in the Commonwealth to be known as the James Ward Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, officially known as the James Ward Act, aims to strengthen penalties for drivers who leave the scene of a crash involving a recreational vehicle (RV) in Massachusetts. Currently, the penalties for such offenses may be insufficient to deter reckless behavior. The bill seeks to increase the fines and potential jail time for those convicted of hit-and-run incidents involving RVs, prioritizing public safety.
Key provisions
- Increases fines for hit-and-run offenses involving recreational vehicles.
- Potentially increases jail time for offenders.
- Defines ‘recreational vehicle’ for the purpose of this legislation.
- The bill is named the James Ward Act.
Who is affected
- Drivers of recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Victims of hit-and-run accidents involving RVs
- Motorists in Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Specifically targets hit-and-run incidents involving recreational vehicles.
- May result in harsher penalties compared to existing laws.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
John J. Marsi
Kathleen R. LaNatra
Michael O. Moore
Michelle L. Badger
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4395 194th (Current)
An Act increasing penalties for hit and runs with recreational vehicles in the Commonwealth to be known as the James Ward Act
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4395
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 8/18/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 8/18/2025 | House | New draft of H1823 |
| 8/18/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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