Bill > H4395

This bill increases penalties for hit and run incidents involving snow vehicles or recreational vehicles in Massachusetts, named in memory of James Ward. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to establish more severe consequences for operators who leave the scene of an accident without providing their contact and vehicle information. Under the new provisions, if a hit and run incident results in bodily injury that leads to the death of another person, the responsible operator can be punished by up to 2.5 years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. For less severe incidents not resulting in death, the existing penalty of imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine between $500 and $1,000 remains in place. The bill also makes technical changes to the section numbering of the existing law, shifting subsequent subsections to accommodate the new provisions. These changes aim to create stronger legal deterrents and accountability for individuals who flee the scene of an accident involving a snow or recreational vehicle.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on the Judiciary (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4395