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Bill > HF41
IA HF41
IA HF41A bill for an act relating to additional penalties for violations for failing to reduce speed when required or otherwise control a motor vehicle that result in serious injury or death.(See HF 173.)
summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
Under current law, Code section 321.288 requires a person operating a motor vehicle to control the vehicle at all times and reduce the speed of the vehicle to a reasonable and proper rate when approaching a pedestrian walking or an animal being led, ridden, or driven on a highway; when approaching and traversing a crossing, intersection, sharp turn, curve, or steep descent on a highway; when approaching and passing an emergency warning device, emergency vehicle displaying revolving or flashing lights, or slow-moving vehicle displaying reflective devices; and when approaching and passing through a work zone. The scheduled fine for a violation of Code section 321.288 is $135. Code section 321.482A sets forth additional penalties applicable when a person is convicted of operating a motor vehicle in violation of certain Code sections in Code chapter 321 (motor vehicles and law of the road) if such violation causes serious injury to or the death of another person. This bill adds Code section 321.288 to the list of violations subject to additional penalties under Code section 321.482A. When a person is convicted of a violation causing serious injury, the additional penalties include a fine of $500 or suspension of the violator’s driver’s license or operating privileges for not more than 90 days, or both. When a person is convicted of a violation causing death, the additional penalties include a fine of $1,000 or suspension of the violator’s driver’s license or operating privileges for not more than 180 days, or both.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Iowa traffic law by adding section 321.288 (which requires drivers to control their vehicle and reduce speed in specific situations) to the list of traffic violations that can trigger additional penalties when the violation results in serious injury or death. Currently, violations of certain traffic code sections can lead to enhanced penalties, and this bill expands that framework. Specifically, if a driver is convicted of violating section 321.288 and causes serious injury, they may face a fine of $500, a driver's license suspension of up to 90 days, or both. In cases where the violation results in a fatality, the penalties increase to a $1,000 fine, a driver's license suspension of up to 180 days, or both. The bill aims to create stronger legal consequences for drivers who fail to appropriately control their vehicle and reduce speed in potentially dangerous situations, with more significant penalties when those violations lead to serious harm or death.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Withdrawn. H.J. 418. (on 02/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF41 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF41.html |
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