Bill > SB1602

This bill, known as the "James Bardsley, Jr. Life Protection Act," amends Tennessee law to increase penalties for leaving the scene of an accident when death results. Specifically, it makes it a Class E felony, a serious crime, for anyone to fail to stop or comply with accident reporting requirements if they knew or should have known that a death occurred. In addition to other punishments, offenders will be required to serve a minimum of one year in confinement without parole and face fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This change aims to provide stronger protections and accountability in situations involving fatal traffic accidents.