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Bill > S1426
NJ S1426
NJ S1426Provides that leaving scene of motor vehicle accident is crime of first degree if accident results in death of another person.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill upgrades the penalties for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident which results in a person's death. Under current law, a motor vehicle operator involved in an accident resulting in the death of another person who knowingly leaves the accident scene is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Second degree crimes generally are punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. This bill upgrades this offense to a crime of the first degree when the accident results in another person's death. First degree crimes generally are punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to increase the severity of the crime for a motor vehicle operator who knowingly leaves the scene of an accident when that accident results in the death of another person. Previously, such an offense was classified as a second-degree crime, typically carrying penalties of five to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $150,000. This bill elevates the offense to a first-degree crime, which generally carries more severe penalties of 10 to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $200,000. The bill clarifies that the operator does not need to know that a death occurred or be aware of the specific law they violated for this increased penalty to apply, and it also addresses how sentences for this crime would be handled in conjunction with other potential charges like vehicular homicide.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1426 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1426_I1.HTM |
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