HB 2662
To create a felony vehicular homicide and Aggravated vehicular homicide
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates two new felony offenses in West Virginia: misdemeanor vehicular homicide and felony aggravated vehicular homicide. Aggravated vehicular homicide carries a harsher penalty than negligent vehicular homicide, with imprisonment ranging from two to five years and a fine of up to $20,000. The bill also amends existing law to recognize and protect unborn victims of these crimes, specifically addressing situations involving pregnant women and fetuses.
Key provisions
- Creates the offense of misdemeanor vehicular homicide.
- Creates the offense of felony aggravated vehicular homicide.
- Increases the potential prison sentence for aggravated vehicular homicide to two to five years.
- Raises the maximum fine for aggravated vehicular homicide to $20,000.
- Revokes driving licenses for convictions of both vehicular homicide offenses.
- Recognizes unborn victims of vehicular homicide as distinct victims for legal purposes.
- Addresses exceptions to the recognition of unborn victims, including legal abortions and medical treatment.
- Modifies existing code section 61-2-30 to include provisions related to unborn victims.
Who is affected
- Drivers
- Passengers in vehicles
- Families of victims of vehicular homicide
- Law enforcement
- The legal profession (particularly prosecutors)
Notable changes
- Establishes separate felony and misdemeanor classifications for vehicular homicide.
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