HB 2495
An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen penalties for homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence (HVI DUI). It increases the minimum prison sentence for individuals convicted of causing a death as a result of DUI, particularly if they have prior DUI-related offenses or engage in aggravating behaviors during the incident. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which a defendant could face a longer prison term, including multiple victims or specific actions taken before or during the offense.
Key provisions
- Increases the minimum prison sentence for HVI DUI convictions to five years, with potential for consecutive terms for each victim.
- Raises the minimum prison sentence to seven years for defendants with one prior DUI conviction.
- Increases the minimum prison sentence to seven years for defendants with two or more prior DUI convictions or a violation of section 3802(h)(1).
- Raises the minimum prison sentence to ten years for defendants with a prior violation of section 3802(h)(1) or two or more prior DUI-related offenses.
- Specifies that consecutive prison terms can be imposed for each victim whose death resulted from the offense.
- Clarifies that a defendant can face a longer sentence if they committed other offenses, such as fleeing police or having a minor passenger.
- Addresses prior convictions for similar offenses in other jurisdictions.
- Defines Homicide by Vehicle while driving under influence.
Who is affected
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