Bill > S08018

This bill, known as "CJ's Law," amends the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to increase criminal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident that results in the death of a minor. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law by creating a new, more severe criminal classification for such incidents. Under the proposed changes, if someone leaves the scene of an accident that causes the death of a minor, they would now be charged with a class C felony, which carries a mandatory fine ranging from $4,000 to $8,000, in addition to any other legal penalties. This is a significant increase from previous penalties, which classified such incidents as a class D felony with lower fines. The bill also makes minor gender-neutral language changes, replacing "his or her" with "their" throughout the text. The law is set to take effect six months after it is officially enacted, giving time for law enforcement and judicial systems to prepare for the new classification and penalties.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8018