H 1823
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, known as the James Ward Act, increases penalties for drivers who leave the scene of a crash involving a recreational vehicle (RV), boat, or snowmobile in Massachusetts. Currently, the penalties for these offenses are relatively low, and this legislation aims to deter such reckless behavior by imposing stricter fines and potential jail time. The bill seeks to improve public safety by holding hit-and-run drivers of RVs accountable for their actions.
Key provisions
- Increases fines for hit-and-run offenses involving recreational vehicles.
- May impose jail time for drivers who leave the scene of a hit-and-run involving an RV.
- Specifically addresses hit-and-run incidents involving RVs, boats, and snowmobiles.
- The bill is named the James Ward Act.
Who is affected
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Owners of recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Pedestrians and other drivers potentially impacted by hit-and-run incidents
- The general public in Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Increases the severity of penalties for hit-and-run offenses involving recreational vehicles.
- Clarifies that the bill applies to RVs, boats, and snowmobiles.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Kathleen R. LaNatra
Cosponsors
John J. Marsi
Kathleen R. LaNatra
Michael O. Moore
Michelle L. Badger
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1823 194th (Current)
An Act increasing penalties for hit and runs with recreational vehicles in the Commonwealth to be known as the James Ward Act
By Representatives LaNatra of Kingston and Badger of Plymouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1823) of Kathleen R. LaNatra, Michelle L. Badger and others relative to increasing penalties for hit and run with a recreational vehicle. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Kathleen R. LaNatra , Michelle L. Badger
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.1823
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 4/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 8/18/2025 | House | Accompanied a new draft, see H4395 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2 |
Similar Bills
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
H.1609 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act increasing penalties for hit and runs with recreational vehicles in the Commonwealth to be known as the James Ward Act
H.4354 193rd (2023 - 2024)
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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