H 4395
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 hit-and-run accident involving a recreational vehicle (such as snowmobiles or ATVs). It raises the potential jail time and fines for these offenses, particularly when injuries or death result from the incident. The bill also clarifies reporting requirements for drivers involved in such collisions.
Key provisions
- Increases potential jail time for hit-and-run drivers of recreational vehicles to up to 2.5 years.
- Raises the maximum fine for hit-and-run drivers to $5,000.
- Requires drivers to stop and provide identifying information after a collision.
- Specifically addresses hit-and-runs involving snow vehicles and recreation vehicles.
- Amendments to existing law regarding penalties for hit and runs.
- Clarifies reporting requirements for drivers involved in collisions.
Who is affected
- Drivers of recreational vehicles (snowmobiles, ATVs, etc.)
- Victims of hit-and-run accidents
- Motor vehicle owners
- Law enforcement agencies
Notable changes
- Increases penalties for hit-and-run offenses involving recreational vehicles.
- Adds a new subsection to address injuries or death resulting from hit-and-runs.
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
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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
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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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