Bill > S03639

This bill, known as "Nick's Law," increases penalties for leaving the scene of a fatal accident in New York State by amending several sections of the vehicle and traffic law and criminal procedure law. The legislation changes the classification of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death from a class D to a class B felony, with significantly increased financial penalties, raising the maximum fine from five thousand to thirty thousand dollars. The bill also modifies legal procedures for handling cases involving adolescent offenders charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, potentially allowing for more serious prosecution. Additionally, the bill updates language to use gender-neutral terminology (replacing "his or her" with "their") and expands the circumstances under which an adolescent offender's case can be transferred to or removed from family court. The changes aim to create stricter consequences for individuals who flee the scene of a fatal accident, with particular emphasis on holding drivers more accountable when their actions result in someone's death. The law is designed to take effect immediately upon passage.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3639