An Act to address leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death aka Katie Brienzo's Law
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, known as Katie Brienzo’s Law, aims to increase penalties for individuals who leave the scene of a traffic accident resulting in death. Currently, Massachusetts law allows for a maximum sentence of 20 years for this offense. This legislation seeks to significantly increase that potential sentence to life in prison, ensuring greater accountability for those who abandon victims of traffic collisions. It also establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Key provisions
- Increases the maximum potential sentence for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to life in prison.
- Establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
- Requires the Department of Transportation to develop a public awareness campaign regarding the consequences of leaving the scene of an accident.
- Allows law enforcement to seize vehicles used in leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
- Expands the definition of ‘leaving the scene’ to include actions that impede emergency response.
Who is affected
- Motorists
- Victims of traffic accidents
- Families of victims of traffic accidents
- Law enforcement
- The general public
Notable changes
- Increases the severity of penalties for leaving the scene of fatal traffic accidents.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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2 on record
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Cosponsor
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